Global Week of Action at the 4th World Social Forum.
July 2004
Over 500 activists from across the world attended one of the main plenary sessions at the 4th World Social Forum in Mumbai, India in January 2004 to discuss ‘Where next for the international trade campaign?’ The challenge put to the diverse trade campaigns represented was to join together for the Global Week of Action in April 2005.
Participants were inspired by the vision of the Week as a unique opportunity to challenge the current system and explode the myth, perpetuated by the rich and powerful, that free trade and privatisation is the only answer to global poverty.
John Samuel, of ActionAid Asia and one of the panellists, outlined the problem saying, 'Friends and comrades, what is the problem with enforced free trade? It takes away freedom, undermines lives and monopolises market power.'
The Week of Action was also welcomed as a chance to put forward alternatives, where governments have the right to make their economic policies in the interests of all people, and where communities regain control over their own resources.
John Samuel, concluded the seminar with a rallying call to action ‘The question is not only about justice but the future of the world. In this struggle, the fight is between enforced free trade and life. We cannot negotiate on basic rights, on justice, on accountability. This struggle needs to be fought in the parliament, on the streets, in every forum and at any cost’.
Other panellists were Juan-Carlos Alluralde, Agua Bolivia; Walden Bello, Philippines, Our World is Not For Sale; Nicola Bullard, Focus, Thailand; Hector de le Cueva, Hemispheric Social Alliance, Mexico; Martin Gordon, Christian Aid, UK.
Background to the Week of Action
Frequently Asked Questions
How you can get involved
