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
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