Photo: Martin Wurt/OxfamAUS.

The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) was held in Geneva last December to devise a global plan to allow everyone access to information and communications technologies. One of the main issues to arise at the summit was around who should manage the net. Currently, the internet is managed by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, a semi-private body created by the US government. Developing countries pushed for the United Nations to have a greater role in the management of the net. There was also much discussion about how rich nations should assist with the growth of the internet in developing countries. Issues unresolved will be addressed in the second phase of the WSIS, which takes place in Tunisia in 2005.

How important do you think technology is in overcoming poverty? Tell us your views by writing to the Editor.

Bhutanese activists demonstrating about the plight of Bhutanese refugees during the World Social Forum. Photo: Carly Hammond/OxfamAUS

The fourth World Social Forum took place in Mumbai (formally Bombay), India from 16-21 January, bringing together over 80,000 people from 132 countries to discuss how to create a more equal and people-centred world. Built around the slogan 'Another World is Possible', the World Social Forum is the largest annual global event that provides a space for mass organisations, social movements and NGOs to debate alternative patterns of globalisation, exchange experiences and strengthen alliances.

Along with a number of our partner organisations, Oxfam participated in the Forum, holding workshops, joining in panel discussions and building awareness of and support for the Make Trade Fair and Control Arms campaigns. Mary Robinson, the Honorary President of Oxfam International, attended this year's Forum and highlighted the terrible impact the proliferation of arms is having and called on governments to create an Arms Trade Treaty.

From Tibetan monks chanting for peace to Indian dalits ('untouchables' – the lowest caste in India) calling for an end to caste discrimination, the streets within the Forum were forever illuminated by musical processions and passionate, peaceful marches. The Sakala Brothers musical duo from Zambia performed and drummed up interest in the Make Trade Fair campaign, along with performing artists from India and Bangladesh. Impressively, nearly 15,000 delegates at the Forum showed their concern about unfair trade and joined the Big Noise petition.

Find out more at www.wsfindia.org.

Whether you walk, run, ride or skate, don't miss the annual Oxfam Community Aid Abroad walk against want on Sunday 21 March. Around Australia, walks will be held ranging from 5-15km. Money raised for the event goes to support our long-term development projects in 30 countries around the world.

To register ring Freecall 1800 034 034 or visit www.oxfam.org.au/walk.

We now have two quarterly publications – Oxfam News, a 24-page in-depth magazine, and Oxfam Update, a 4-page overview of our activities. If you wish to receive Oxfam Update instead of Oxfam News please advise us by calling us on Freecall 1800 088 110.

Rolling Stone free CD. Photo: Martin Wurt/OxfamAUS.

Some of the world's greatest musicians have voiced their support for Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign by adding one of their tracks to The Big Noise CD supplied free with the Rolling Stone Rock & Roll Yearbook for 2003/2004. The CD features tracks from ten artists, including Coldplay, Radiohead, R.E.M, John Butler Trio and george. Katie Noonan from the Brisbane-based band george says: "We all need to get together and unite to put pressure on our politicians to help make trade fair. One person can make a difference by buying fair trade products."

The Rolling Stone Rock & Roll Yearbook featuring the free The Big Noise CD is in stores until April.

Nelson Mandela shortly after his release from prison in 1990. Photo: Joel Chiziane/AIM.

May 10th marks ten years since the end of apartheid in South Africa. It was on that date in 1994 that Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa's first black President, after being imprisoned for almost 30 years and released in 1990.