Councillor Biographies
Francisco Whitaker, Co-founder, World Social Forum
Francisco ‘Chico’ Whitaker Ferreira is a Roman Catholic activist who has worked for democracy and against corruption throughout his life, both at home in Brazil and in exile. As Executive Secretary to the National Council of Brazilian Bishop’s (CNBB) Commission of Justice and Peace (CBJP) Whitaker has been instrumental in the conception, development and implementation of an anti-corruption bill in Brazil. He is also co-founder of the burgeoning World Social Forum (WSF) – a large conference event, parallel to the World Economic Forum in Davos, to share the various insights of those from around the world who are working for alternatives to “world domination by capital, within the parameters of neoliberalism”. The idea has been a great success and the annual fora have become platforms for civil society organizations from all around the world to exchange views, form coalitions, work on concrete strategies and coordinate campaigns. He received the Right Livelihood Award in 2006.
