Events
Table of Contents
Events
Upcoming events
Climate Change Fiction: A Conversation with Amitav Ghosh
Our last three sessions have discussed climate change fiction’s speculative capacities, examined imaginative responses to the alienation between humans and nature through these areas of speculative fiction, and discussed the anthology Ecoceanic: Southern Flows in this context.
In this session, Ashish Kothari of Kalpavriksh and the Global TapestryThe weaving of networks of Alternatives of AlternativesAre activities and initiatives, concepts, worldviews, or action proposals by collectives, groups, organizations, communities, or social movements challenging and replacing the dominant system that perpetuates inequality, exploitation, and unsustainabiity. In the GTA we focus primarily on what we call "radical or transformative alternatives", which we define as initiatives that are attempting to break with the dominant system and take paths towards direct and radical forms of political and economic democracy, localised self-reliance, social justice and equity, cultural and knowledge diversity, and ecological resilience. Their locus is neither the State nor the capitalist economy. They are advancing in the process of dismantling most forms of hierarchies, assuming the principles of sufficiency, autonomy, non-violence, justice and equality, solidarity, and the caring of life and the Earth. They do this in an integral way, not limited to a single aspect of life. Although such initiatives may have some kind of link with capitalist markets and the State, they prioritize their autonomy to avoid significant dependency on them and tend to reduce, as much as possible, any relationship with them. will be conversing with Amitav Ghosh, celebrated author, about issues such as the range and scope of climate fiction, and its potential for influencing actual action on the climate crisis.
Past events
GTAGlobal Tapestry of Alternatives is usually presented in many conferences and gatherings around the world. Here we present a resume and report of each participation.
Marine ecosystems and climate fiction from South Asia - Episode 3 | 06/04/2024
Accelerated anthropogenic climate change poses a serious existential threat to dwellers in the marine world, besides the fisherfolk and inhabitants of coastal areas. The melting of land ice in Antarctica and Greenland, leading to rise of ocean levels, besides the deleterious effects of acidification on marine ecosystems, may soon reach a tipping point if adequate mitigation is not undertaken soon.
In this episode, writers and activists from South Asia shared their creative responses to this ongoing crisis, which may eventually lead to biosphere collapse if such trends are not reversed.
Antecedents to climate change fiction: Utopian and speculative narratives from South Asia - Episode 2 | 28/02/2024
In this session, we focussed on conceptual and narrative antecedents to contemporary climate change fiction in the region. The focus was thus on the archive of imaginative responses to the alienation of humans from nature in the wake of the introduction of the colonial and post colonial development paradigms.
Utopian, visionary and speculative narratives from South Asia have sought to engage with consequent environmental degradation and the ecological crisis in different ways. The panelists tracked the possibility of critique and sought to trace the genealogies for the recent turn to climate change fiction in South Asia.
World Social Forum 2024 - Kathmandu, Nepal 15/02/2024 - 19/02/2024
The GTA participated in the World Social Forum 2024, as co-organizer of two events, along with some Facilitation team members also taking part in various activities. Our WeaverA local, regional, or national network or organization that connects or consists of multiple Alternatives on different themes/spheres, in an inter-sectorial way. A global network cannot be a Waever, neither a thematic one. It should be a collective process of some kind, rather than only a single individual or single organization. By being a "weaver", they are committed to participate in the GTA, developing ways of dialogue, interconnection, collaboration and solidarity with other Weavers. GTA promotes the interconnection of the Weavers, identifying [[:weavers:criteria|a series common criteria for the weaving of Alternatives]]. Examples: Vikalp Sangam and Crianza Mutua. Vikalp Sangam also co-organised two events.
Access to details
Climate Change Fiction: The South Asia Experience - Episode 1 | 17/01/2024
The climate crisis is the greatest existential threat humanity faces today. The need for a radical societal transformation in the interests of social justice and ecological sustainability has never been greater. But where can we turn to find systemic alternatives?
In this interaction between authors, scholars and activists, we hope to critically explore the reasons for South Asia being foregrounded as a zone for climate catastrophe in recent Western cli-fi (Kim Stanley Robinson, Ministry of the Future, Stephen Markley, The Deluge), as well as discover more about the extent to which this sub-genre has found roots in this region.
Just Transformations: Grassroots Struggles for Alternative Futures | 12/12/2023
The climate crisis is the greatest existential threat humanity faces today. The need for a radical societal transformation in the interests of social justice and ecological sustainability has never been greater. But where can we turn to find systemic alternatives?
Come join us in learning more about the results of the ACKnowl_EJ (Academic and Activist Co-produced Knowledge of Environmental Justice) Project, which has been compiled into the book “Just Transformations: Grassroots Struggles for Alternative Futures”.
Global Scholars Dialogue with the University of Rojava | 24/10/2023
Join us for an exchange on the achievements of the autonomous region of northeast Syria (Rojava) in building a democratic society based on gender equality and communal coexistence and against Turkey’s attacks in the region. With the participation of several GTA's members.
2-part Webinar Series by Travellers’ University | 29/09/2023, 06/10/2023
Come join us in exploring Travel as a Pedagogy through the Travellers’ University initiative, wherein travel is used as a learning tool by encouraging travellers to investigate the relationships that exist between themselves, the systems they are connected to and part of, and the rest of nature. We are hosting two webinars in this series: ‘The Pedagogy of Travel’, and ‘Pursuit of Alivelihoods and the 52 Parindey Fellowship’.
Planet Local | 29/09/2023, 01/10/2023
Drawing on Local Futures networking and movement building over four decades, the three-day Summit will be our biggest, boldest and most international event yet. It will bring together leading minds and activists grappling with our planet's most pressing challenges. The Planet Local Summit will serve as the centrepiece of a widespread celebration of the active localisation networks in Bristol (UK) and surrounds. There will be farm open days, local business tours, markets, film screenings and more. The GTA will be present in various activities.
9th International Degrowth Conference in Zagreb, Croatia - 29/08/2023 to 02/09/2023
Zagreb is a city whose local government is headed by former degrowth conference speakers. By connecting degrowth’s international audience with the realities of a semi-peripheral capital developing new justice and sustainability pathways, the degrowth movement has broadened its scope and affirm its position in the everyday lives of European citizens. The GTA was present in various sessions of the conference.
We, - Nosotrxs- Crossing Worlds and Galaxies - 13/06/2023
The diversity of women and the -others- that we are, remind us of the existence of the pluriverse, that is, the multiplicity of worlds that coexist in the world. The pluriverse makes us see that–contrary to what cis-hereto-patriarchal modernity led us to believe– the world is made up of many gender-sex diversities, worldviews, many worlds and galaxies, as expressed by the Zapatista grammar and struggle. It is from this alter, anti, pluri, and trans* diversity that we invite you to listen to our situated and emotional reflections on what happens to us when we cross borders, bridge spaces, and weave tapestries as women on the verge, racialized, trans* lesbofeminists, academics, mothers, activists or defenders of Mother Earth in these times of civilizational collapse.
Global South Delegation on Energy Transition Visits European Capitals - 30/05/2023 to 01/06/2023
A delegation of Global South scholars and activists are launching a lobbying and advocacy tour of European capitals to discuss the urgent issue of an ecosocial energy transition. The seven participants are following up on a global manifesto (English/Spanish) published this year decrying a new Green colonialism and urging more equitable approaches to achieving a fossil-free future.
"Learning from a Pluriverse of Radical Alternatives" in Re-Imagining Education Conference 2023 - 27/04/2023
Thousands of grounded initiatives across the world are demonstrating pathways out of the multiple crises we are in - ecological, economic, social. What can we learn from their historical, practical and theoretical contributions? How can they be interconnected to enable macro-change, and what sustainable, equitable futures can we envision based on them? This presentation provides glimpses of answers to these questions, with examples from across the globe.
Towards a Post-Extractive Culture: a gathering of souls dreaming and building post-extractive cultures - 23/02/2023 to 25/02/2023
Towards a Post-Extractive Culture is an experimental event that explores new approaches and alternatives that will help us to escape the extractivist ‘trap’ of the modern, colonial, heteropatriarchal, capitalist paradigm. A three-day gathering (two days held at the Stedelijk Museum and the third at OT301) featuring workshops, thinking-feeling storms, assemblies, and ritual performances.
This gathering is co-created by Disobedient Futures (formerly known as Fossil Free Culture NL), the Post-Extractive Futures collective, Global Tapestry of Alternatives, Weaving Realities, Gira Zapatista Holanda and entre-ríos.
"BEAUTIFUL RESISTANCE" A Creative way to build peace within - 21/03/2023
The presentation of the philosophy and work of “Beautiful Resistance” as a beautiful and creative, non-armed way to build peace within individuals to be peace builders and active change makers within their own community and the world.
The presentation would focus on the individual, the philosophy, the context and Education with applied work on the ground.Dr Abusrour will present himself and his background, and how the concept and philosophy of Beautiful Resistance was born and what it means, and how performing and visual arts, culture are important to be used in education as important means of self-expression to be truthful and build peace within individuals and as changemakers.
Manifesto for an Ecosocial Energy Transition from the Peoples of the South - 10/02/2023
Together with the Ecosocial and Intercultural Pact of the South, we'll be launching a new manifesto this Friday, February 10 at 9 am (EST). The “Manifesto for an Ecosocial Energy Transition from the Peoples of the South” is the work of groups and individuals from across the Global South.
Organizational endorsers of the manifesto include the Ecosocial and Intercultural Pact of the South, Greenpeace, Focus on the Global South, War on Want, Global Justice Now, Third World Network, WoMin, Peoples Response Network, Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Global Tapestry of Alternatives, Censat Agua Viva - Amigos de la Tierra Colombia, Espacioenoff, Extinction Rebellion Medellín, Seminario permanente Re-Evolución de la Salud, Grupo Socioambiental Lotos, ACTRICES ARGENTINAS, Friends of the Earth Malaysia, and Consumers Association of Penang.
Dialogue of Weavers: MASSA and Vikalp Sangam India
Dialogue between GTA weavers in India and South East Asia. A dialogue to approach each other in diversity and to weave and inspire each other.
A Global Tapestry of Alternatives is about creating spaces of collaboration and exchange among the Weavers, in order to learn about and from each other, critically but constructively challenge each other, offer active solidarity to each other whenever needed, interweave the initiatives in common actions, and give them visibility to inspire other people to create their own initiatives.
Strategies Beyond Borders: Tales of Time Banks- 27/01/2023
This interactive session will engage participants in a presentation, experiential activity and discussion about the social/economic/political organizing format often referred to as “time banking”. The purpose of this is to recognize that everyone has contributions to make and needs to fulfill. As opposed to the capitalist model of competition, extraction and exploitation, these projects draw on the strength of community to affirm the worth and value of each individual. In this session, students who have participated in “mini” time banks in classroom settings will share what they thought of this idea before and after experiencing it in practice. In small groups, attendees will have the opportunity to consider what they have to “offer” and what they “need”.
Beyond Money - 24/05/2022 & 30/05/2022
Is it possible to imagine a world without money? Anitra Nelson, in her recent book, “Beyond Money: A Post Capitalist Strategy”, not only envisions that world but also gives it concrete shape, laying the ideological foundation of a post-money society based on real, non-monetary, social and ecological values that define a new order committed to fulfilling people’s basic needs. If money is the lynchpin of the contemporary capitalist order then it is imperative that an alternative to that world is imagined and crafted outside the constraints of money. In a two part series of webinars, Anitra Nelson is joined by David Barkin, a Mexican economist, and Meenakshi Gupta, an Indian social entrepreneur to discuss how money could be replaced as the organizing principle of society allowing the fabrication of a world without socio-economic inequality and crippling environmental stresses.
GEN In Conversation: Communities of Care - 26/04/2022
On Tuesday 26th April 2022 at 16:00 BST, Global Environments Network will host a discussion about what it means to build communities of care. The featured panelists are individuals who are working to revive, build or maintain their own communities, both virtually and in-person, in close and more dispersed contexts. We invite you to join us for a thoughtful discussion, moderated by Nessie Reid. Please come prepared with questions, ideas and reflections!
Alternative Approaches to Crises Resilience - 06/12/2021
A cross-continental conversation between Prof Miriam Lang and environmentalist Ashish Kothari on alternative approaches to address the current multidimensional (not only environmental) crisis. These experts discuss some fundamental questions of our time, by comparing and collating the Latin American and South Asian experiences.
Dialogue of Weavers: Crianza Mutua México, Vikalp Sangam India, Crianza Mutua Colombia - 04/12/2021
Dialogue between GTA weavers in India, Colombia and Mexico. A first dialogue to approach each other in diversity and to weave and inspire each other.
A Global Tapestry of Alternatives is about creating spaces of collaboration and exchange among the Weavers, in order to learn about and from each other, critically but constructively challenge each other, offer active solidarity to each other whenever needed, interweave the initiatives in common actions, and give them visibility to inspire other people to create their own initiatives.
COP26: Report back and Ways Forward - 03/12/2021
The Southern Peoples’ Action on COP26 is organizing a report-back session featuring its convening and allied organizations who have participated in the ground and online battlegrounds of COP26 at Glasgow and beyond.
As the dust has settled after the conclusion of the COP26 climate talks, the global public now has a clearer picture of the outcomes of the Glasgow Climate Pact, which has been universally acknowledged as a ‘compromise deal’ that tries to keep the hope of a 1.5C warming limit alive but is faced with enormous challenges.
From Grassroots Resistance towards Revolutionary Reconstruction: Visions from the Ground of the World We Want to Creat - 09/11/2021
The Environment and Climate Justice Commission of the International League of Peoples Struggle (ILPS XXIX) - an anti-imperialist and democratic formation of people’s movements, organizations, along with its partner organizations and formations - the Global Tapstery of Alternatives - an initiative seeking to create solidarity networks and strategic alliances amongst all these alternatives on local, regional and global levels - and Adelante - a grouing of eight global networks for collective and solidarity action in the future - propose this side event with the main aim of gathering and promoting visions and demands of peoples from the grassroots of the world we want to create - one that is socially just, equitable, and environmentally sustainable.
The BRICS are falling: The Rise and Fall of Authoritarian Populist States - 21/11/2021
The BRICS have fallen one by one. They have all capitulated to capitalism and given up on the promises of social democracy. The People’s Republic China has always been a dictatorship. The others have known their democratic phases, but more recently they have elected strongmen by majoritarian vote who put the rule of law under serious strain. Brasil and India are extreme examples, but there others on all continents that have gone down they same slippery slopes of populism, authoritarianism, and full blown fascism. This seminar wants to discuss particular cases, exchange experiences and strenghten democratic resistance from the bottom up.
8th International Degrowth Conference: Caring Communities for Radical Change | 24/08/2021 - 28/08/2021
Weaving Systemic Alternatives from the Global South / 11/05/2021
A conversation with the Global Tapestry of Alternatives, presented by EDGE Founders Alliance.
World Social Forum 2021 - Virtual edition
The GTA participated in the World Social Forum 2021, either as co-organizer or with the presence of some its core members in various sessions.
Access to details and recordings
The First North-South Conference on Degrowth (Mexico City, Mexico DF) / September 2018
Building upon the discussions at the Malmo degrowth conference, the session organized in the Decrecimiento-Degrowth Conference in Mexico City revolved around the eligibility criteria/principles of alternatives, the structure and mechanisms of the initiative and its values. The alternatives questioning patriarchy, capitalism, racism, the state, anthropocentrism and other inter-related structures of oppression would be eligible to be a part of the initiative. The structure should be open, democratic and flexible but have a logistical core team to help foster the process. The initiative should be based on mutual learning with respect for diversity, solidarity and mutual support and collective visioning. The session was also useful to gather the contact details of interested observers.
6th International Degrowth Conference (Malmo, Sweden) / August 2018
Two sessions on the proposal for an Earth Vikalp Sangam (EVS) / Global Alternatives Confluence (GAC) were organised during the International Degrowth Conference in Malmo, Sweden. About 40 people attended each of these sessions, several of them representatives of various networks, diverse initiatives, groups, and social movements. The sessions had stimulating discussions on what is an alternative, need of the EVS/GAC process, underlying principles that could be/should be used, and a possible structure. The discussions very mostly open-ended and exploratory since it was just the beginning.