| RIGHTING GLOBAL WRONGS
By Aye Aye Win*
We Can Change
Globalisation was once a dirty word. At gatherings
like the WSF where emotions run high, we would previously
have been booed for daring to cite some of its benefits. The
word can’t be all that bad. Just look at the way in
which we managed to globalise the WSF process. Also, let’s
not forget how much we have benefited from some of the by-products
of globalisation -- improvements in communication technology
and travel. Can you imagine organising the WSF without the
Internet?
Fortunately, times are changing. As the Forum evolves, it
is becoming clear that we are not only an “anti”
movement but also a “pro” one.
What we are against is obvious: neo-liberal policies of profit-before-people
that underpin the current globalisation process. And what
alternatives are we for? Well, we need to articulate that
better in terms of policies, but we are getting there.
Meanwhile, the word globalisation has gained increasing popularity.
More and more people are calling for a globalisation of our
values -- solidarity, democracy, sustainability -- and of
our struggle. The world economy is earning trillions of US
dollars per year, so there certainly is enough wealth to meet
everyone’s needs.
Why not then talk more about globalising wealth distribution
instead of poverty eradication? For human rights, Amnesty’s
message is "globalise respect for human rights, globalise
justice and globalise accountability for those who abuse rights".
And what about global governance? At the big debate on globalisation,
it was suggested that we use the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, and the respective international covenants guaranteeing
the whole range of human rights as the basic reference for
a world constitution for social and democratic globalisation.
Well, isn't that an interesting idea?
As the Forum reaches cruising speed, the message from speakers
and the feelings of delegates are clear: against all odds,
we can change. We can be confident about turning the present
trend of globalisation and make it work for us.
*Aye Aye Win, Burma, is the Co-ordinator of Dignity International
and a member of the IPS Board of Directors.
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