A Sinn Féin MEP is taking part in an anti-globalisation event in Brazil set up as an alternative to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
It emerged today that Northern Ireland MEP Bairbre de Brún joined hundreds of thousands of people who took to the streets of Porto Allegre yesterday for the opening of the fifth World Social Forum.
Tickertape flew from the windows of buildings during the opening ceremony for the World Social Forum in Porto Allegre as politicians, religious and environmental organisations and many community and campaigning groups from around the world took part in the march.
The opening day's events concluded with a concert headlined by world music star Manu Chao and featuring artists from Italy, India, Argentina, Uganda, Australia, Haiti, Peru, France and Brazil.
More than 2,000 debates and activities are scheduled to take place at the forum over the next four days. Among the issues being discussed are free trade, land reform, human rights and climate change.
Ms de Brun said: "This truly diverse gathering has an upbeat carnival atmosphere and is a real celebration of the diversity of the World Social Forum.
"Behind the carnival atmosphere, however, lies a serious message that we must all act to create a fairer and more sustainable world. That is the real work that will take place in the meetings and seminars in the coming days."
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac, Ukraine's new President Victor Yushchenko, former US president Bill Clinton and showbusiness stars such as Bono of U2 and Sharon Stone are attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.