''We have come out against neo-liberal globalisation, and now that this globalisation is destroying itself we have to define the world we want,'' the founder of the annual event, Candido Grzybowski, said as the forum wrapped up.

Another member of the organising committee, Fatima Mello, said, ''The crisis has forced us to improve our proposals.''We have built up a big network against the crisis, and we will launch various days of world action and campaigns this year to make sure the poor don't pay its high price.''

The forum's leaders hailed the strong participation at this year's gathering, which brought together 133,000 people from unions, religious associations, family organisations, ecologists and other left-wing groups.

Mr Grzybowski said a large proportion of young attendees ''guarantees the continuity of the World Social Forum''.

The first major protest to be mounted from meetings at the forum will be on March 28 in London, against the Group of 20 summit which has been called to evaluate measures to combat the crisis. AFP