We are in Bertioga, State of Sao Paulo, and the Workshop Platform
Enrichment is starting its first meeting.
Monsieur Venant Cauchy opened the meeting and after some infrastructure
problems were solved, he asked for contributions to modify the platform.
Madame Sizoo explained the development of the platform. Intellectuals from
different countries have proposed changes. A social approach was stressed
in Copenhagen. The Chinese group also suggested changes, but they had not
had time to study it. The Chinese representative introduced two works
which will still have to be translated into several languages.
She detailed problems of translation, difficulties of transposing the exact
ideas to languages of different cultures. Even international documents,
from the United Nations, or others, have not been transposed in their exact
meaning, the exact value of the expressions. Allies should not change the
Platform when translating, but explain the differences.
The idea is to organize a workshop in a year with all those who have
contributed to the preparation of the text.
Monsieur Venant Cauchy agrees that this aspect is very important. He also
mentioned the word "solidary" as an example of the difficulties.
Monsieur Rachad spoke next and said that they have very idealistic ideas.
But the movement must know what it wants to do, and would like to define
the movement. It wants to promote responsibility, solidarity between the
people. He will submit his ideas in writing. He, as a psychologist and
lexicologist would like to define the terms used.
He also talked on how anybody can join the Alliance.
Third he said that any plans and projects should be for the middle term,
and members must be well prepared for the meetings. Financial means are
limited, so they must plan well.
Valmir Souza spoke next on the merits and some questions of the text. The
Platform has to be improved, mainly in its cultural aspect. Next year's
workshop must place more emphasis on culture. Some people die if their
culture dies.
Mr. David Gakunzi agreed, but didn't understand why Mr. Souza thought the
Platfrom was written too simply. He thinks that on the contrary it is
complicated and doesn't let him dream. It is important that all people be
able to include it into their culture.
Mr. Ronald from Costa Rica does not have the text and part of the group
does not understand what is being discussed.
Madame Kamada thinks the text is based on the ancient wisdom of some
cultures, based on ideas that have worked.
Lamar, from Algeria: The Alliance is several things. The platform must be
rewritten, it must be a dynamic document, representing more countries.
Madame Sizoo explained that the text they are studying is the one of 1994.
Returning to the aspect of who joins, she mentioned that only 10% who
joined are women. Also, there is resistance in Northern Europe. Why isn't
the text appealing? It has to be changed continually. In 1998 different
groups should adapt it, with representatives of each group meeting in 1999
to effect changes.
Madame Zubeida Jaffer from South Africa thinks an extremely abstract
document does not appeal to people. Sometimes people want to deal with
concrete problems.
Mr. Rachad spoke again, mentioning the main points as being the
preservation of the earth, harmony among humankind, responsibility, and the
principle of tolerating differences. Fighting against dangerous products
and discrimination of cultures. For a second program, he detailed the
issues of environmental protection. The text is not sacred or constant,
and must be translated into action.
Mr. Cauchy asked for people to bring prepared texts with recommendations
tomorrow.
Mr. Trond Saeboe from Norway spoke next. He represents GATTWTO, an
organization of small farmers. They are having a parallel meeting. He
obtained the 1993 text of the platform from the Web site. He thinks it is
very French. In Norway, they think it must be shorter and more concrete.
The reasons of the problems, of the contrasts must be found, in order to
propose solutions.
A gentleman from Ecuador gave their impression on the platform which they
are trying to adapt to their culture. They think it is too rational, more
emotion is needed. It should be more philosophical. If market and trade
are evil, what would be done to replace them? What cultures are we talking
about? His country has 11 ethnic groups. Causes must be attacked, or
solutions won't last.
Mr. Rosowin from India talked and was interpreted into English. He spoke
of people living in the forests who do not know anything about this. The
only means of communication is not to quarrel, then all people will be
brothers.
Another participant from India was also interpreted into English: they
would like to continue this movement and include more people in it.
A participant from Algiers, in French. The platform has helped them in
Algiers and it is very important. Local culture is the key. Little
contact has been made with Arab countries. The text must be more simple,
more accessible to people who are interested, but are almost illiterate.
I would like to see an agenda for the changes.
Madame Henryane de Chaponay summarized what has been said today. The first
issue, mentioned by almost all, was language and languages, emotions,
linked to culture and the history of each people. As to the platform, it
is essentially considered French, too abstract for many, considered
rationalist by others. It lacks emotion and more precise goals. It is
considered important but it has to be revised. More emphasis on
environment and culture, including local cultures is necessary. Balance
between feminine and masculine is fundamental. Reasons of the problems
must be defined. The process should remain a collective adventure. Text
should be simplified and shortened. She'll write two pages on the meeting.
A participant spoke in Portuguese and said that young people had
difficulties in understanding the text. It starts well, but must be
simplified, for we should address young people as well, for they will build
the future.
Mr. Rachad asked: What could be the symbolism of the platform? To whom
should we address it? What are its practical programs? These issues could
be improved.
Mr. Hai from Thailand agrees with many who spoke before him. He would
like to transmit it to his people, but the important thing is how to
implement it! The active groups in every continent must be identified.
The process must be organized.
Valmir talks again. He participates in an inter-municipal forum. They have
thought much about the platform. He spoke on governmental actions, and
mass communication. The Alliance should speak specifically about the Indians.
The Chinese representative, Mr. Deng Zenglai talked about the translation
into Chinese and their work, and whom they are representing. We should all
ask ourselves: whom are we representing?
The meeting was closed at 13 hours.