The annual World Social Forum is the centerpiece of an international process focused on finding an alternative path for globalization based on peace, sustainability, and solidarity. The idea for WSF came to founder Oded Grajew in response to the misplaced priorities he saw holding sway at the World Economic Forum in Davos each year. Grajew describes the early planning and growth of WSF, and explains the core ideals which have led to positive changes and strengthened his belief that another world is possible.

A leading social activist and ardent defender of human rights, Grajew tells how he first came up with the idea for the World Social Forum. Reacting against the pernicious effects of the dominant economic views held by the elites meeting in Davos, Grajew saw the need for a new space where leaders and activists interested in civil society could connect and think of new alternatives. He organized the first World Social Forum in 2001, deliberately gathering at the same time as the World Economic Forum to highlight the contrasts and raise awareness that there are fairer and more effective choices for development than "top down" globalization.

The design of the World Social Forum's process reflects its core ideals. The structure is non-hierarchical and bound only by a charter, which speaks to the mission. By organizing events, conferences, lectures and debates, WSF fosters activities which promote fair trade, non-violence, environmental sustainability, and reforms in markets and global governance. He notes, with pride that such successes have helped shape a more socially aware agenda, expanding hope for real and lasting global change.