The International Council (IC) was set up as a permanent body to give continuity to the World Social Forum process beyond 2002. It consolidates the process of taking the WSF to the world level. The Council plays a leading role in defining policy guidelines and the WSFs strategic directions. The IC is conceived as a dynamic arrangement reflecting society’s initiatives.

A large number of organizations make up the International Council.

A lot more information about the IC (it's nature, responsibilities, composition, and functioning) can be found at the Brazilian WSF website.

You can access the WSF Charter of principles.

The decision to bring the 7^th edition of the WSF to Africa was made in 2005 after a series of consultations. You can download the East African bid for WSF2007 - a Nairobi/Kenya Capacity Statement.

The International Council worked hand in hand with the African Social Forum and the Eastern African Organizing Committee in preparation for the WSF 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The IC held several meetings preparing for the Nairobi event - below are the minutes.

Minutes from key IC meetings preparing for WSF2007 in Nairobi, Kenya:

• March 19-22, 2006 - Nairobi, Kenya
  
• September 3-7, 2006 (IC Technical Concultation Meeting) - High Point Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
• October 10-12, 2006 - Parma, Italy
  

• December 16-17, 2006 - Moi International Sports Centre, Youth Hostel, Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya
• January 26-27, 2007 - Moi International Sports Centre, Youth Hostel, Kasarani, Nairobi, Kenya