The World Social Forum started in 2001.  It was initially organized by Bernard Cassen (Director of Le Monde Diplomatic), as a response of the civil society to the World Economic Forum. 

The Forum intentionally defies description.   Fisher and Ponniah (2000) view it not as a new political agent, but as “a pedagogical and political space that enables learning, networking and political organizing” (2000: 6). The Forum is a meeting ground for social activists from all over the world; although it has themes, it has no stated agenda.  In the past, it has also resisted political definitions.