Chico Whitaker

Francisco "Chico" Whitaker began his involvement in social action in the 1950s as an architecture student and member of the JUC (Young Catholic University Students) movement. At the end of 1965, just as the Second Vatican Council was drawing to a close, he began to work with Bishop Helder Camara.

He went into exile in France in the late 1960s during Brazil's military dictatorship. During this period he became director of projects for the Catholic development NGO, CCFD - Catholic Committee against Famine and for Development.

Francisco "Chico" Whitaker is director of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Brazilian Catholic Bishops Conference (CNBB).





Chico Whitaker Articles

The World Social Forum as an "Open Space": Letter by Chico Whitaker

Analysis of Brazilian Elections in 2000

Money - The Southern Point of View: Article in French



Chico Whitaker Interviews

"Another World is Possible": People's Democracy Interview with Chico

Chico Whitaker Audio Visuals

Origins and History of the World Social Forum (Portuguese with English sub-titles) (Zip Files)

Extracts of Chico Whitaker Speech at WSF 2004 Mumbai (Real Media)

Radio Interview with One World Radio WSF 2004 Part 1

Radio Interview with One World Radio WSF 2004 Part 2

Articles on the World Social Forum

World Social Forum Website

Bernard Cassen of ATTAC on the origins of the WSF

Oded Grajew on the origins of the WSF

Immanuel Wallerstein, The Rising Strength of the World Social Forum

Nadir Website on WSF