Forum ideals defined ahead of October meeting

A Forum 2000 event is not about changing the world tomorrow, but about "planting a seed" that will lead to change.

Last week's gathering at Prague Crossroads, which focused on Asian human rights, was "a huge success" according to event organizer Filip Šebek.

"But we're not so idealistic that we believe we can change the world overnight," he said.

"Just holding a conference won't make the world a better place within 24 hours, but it will help plant a seed that will grow."

An international lineup spearheaded by the Dalai Lama and former South African President F.W. de Klerk attracted more than 400 attendees and more than 130 journalists.

The forum and related events were most definitely not an exercise in polite banalities.  

Speaking at the Institute of International Relations in Prague during a brief break from the forum, de Klerk said Asia was moving "back to its dominant position that it held before the 19th century."

He also issued a warning to the European Union. "You have a good life here in the Czech Republic, but Africa is on your horizon. You raped Africa, got your riches from exploiting Africa and left a mess behind."

Šebek was quick to point out the forum "is not an elitist gathering removed from the concerns of the public."

"Anyone can attend the discussions. The more members of the public, the better. A bus driver, student, housewife, all are welcome. All we need is for them to send us an e-mail explaining why they would like to be there. Because of the high-profile invitees, we have to take security precautions, but that should not deter anyone with an interest in the issues facing mankind from coming."

"Of course, it is difficult to judge the success of a conference. The numbers attending exceeded expectations; many of the journalists were covering the forum for other countries. But that does not in itself mean success. We want the issues discussed here to be discussed in the capitals of the world among leaders who have the power to do good. That has happened in the past and will hopefully happen in the future."

With one conference successfully completed, plans are firmly advanced for the biggest event of the forum Oct. 11-13.

Former Russian Prime Minister Yegor Timurovich Gaidar and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak are among those scheduled to attend.  

Given that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe, how the world has moved on since 1989 "will be of great interest," Šebek said. "Consequently, we are going to have a much larger number of people attending; it should be about 2,500 with at least 180 journalists."

"It is not just about the fall of communism. The world has changed in terms of technology and the terror threat. The past 20 years have seen huge changes, especially in communication."   

 - Cillian O'Donoghue contributed to this report.

Tom Clifford can be reached at
tclifford@praguepost.com