IPS is once again sending a multi-lingual team to provide an independent record of the biggest global gathering of civil society. The first outside Brazil, and coming this time just before the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos Switzerland, Mumbai could be a new beginning. A lot has changed since the last forum at Porto Alegre.

The U.S. invaded Iraq, the UN is further marginalised, the Kyoto Protocol and the International Criminal Court are in trouble. On the other hand, the Group of 20 led by President Lula of Brazil successfully challenged the rich world's trade agenda in Cancún. It is easy to be a critic; more difficult is finding political expressions that can give ideas shape on the ground. Can civil society meet the expectations it has created? Check here for daily reports from Mumbai.