The World Economic Forum's (WEF) Asia-Pacific Economic Summit in Melbourne, September 11-13, will bring together 800 representatives of the world's largest transnational corporations and some of the region's most senior capitalist politicians for three days of "shaping the global agenda". People will travel from all over the country to take part in mass protests there.
Why should you join them?
1. Because global injustice requires global resistance.
Last November, the whole world was watching as thousands of protesters took to the streets outside the World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting in Seattle, USA. Across the globe, more and more people are taking a stand against corporate globalisation and the institutions that enforce poverty and injustice on the majority of people, from the WTO to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the WEF. Add your voice to the growing international campaign!
2. To demand an end to poverty.
In 1970, the debt of the Third World countries was $US100 billion. It is now $US2.5 trillion. The IMF and World Bank make loans dependent on the implementation of "structural adjustment programs" (SAPs) that exacerbate poverty and inequality by enforcing privatisation, cuts to social spending and other neo-liberal "reforms". To reverse this situation, all Third World debt should be cancelled immediately, SAPs should be abolished and massive unconditional aid must be given to these countries.
3. To fight against environmental destruction.
One of the WEF members is BHP. One of BHP's most profitable investments is the Ok Tedi gold and copper mine in Papua New Guinea. According to experts, damage to the local environment that's been caused by the dumping of mine tailings will last 60-100 years. The WEF will discuss how BHP and other big corporations can continue to get around environmental regulations and guarantee their super-profits regardless of the ecological cost.
4. Because "free trade" is a farce.
Free trade is not free because the advanced capitalist countries of the First World practice selective protectionism. They put up trade barriers to exports from the Third World while enforcing liberalisation for their own exports. Real "fair trade" would require positive discrimination in trade in favour of the Third World to compensate for centuries of imperialist oppression and enforced underdevelopment.
5. For an end to neo-liberal attacks in Australia.
Corporate tyranny is a reality in this country too. Privatisation, the GST, job losses and cuts to social spending are all the order of the day. Prime Minster John Howard and various federal ministers will participate in the WEF to boast about these measures and to add their two cents worth to the discussion about how to create the best conditions in the Asia Pacific region for Australian capitalists' profit-making.
6. Because capital, but not people, can move globally.
While corporate tyranny and neo-liberal economic policies are global, the movement of people is increasingly restricted as First World governments tighten their immigration controls to keep out the millions of people desperately fleeing the poverty, exploitation and war forced upon them by the same First World governments.
7. Because there is an alternative.
The world of global corporate tyranny is not eternal. There is an alternative to capitalism, an alternative that puts human needs and the environment before the insane drive for private profit. The Cuban people are trying to build such a society — a socialist society — despite being denied access to essential resources by the United States' cruel economic blockade. Cuba is the only Third World country to consistently say "No way" to the IMF and World bank and give priority to the needs of the people. It also provides crucial solidarity and aid to other poor countries across the globe.
8. Because power is in the streets.
It's time to put solidarity on the agenda. People throughout the Third World are risking their lives to fight against the global corporate agenda and we need to show we're on their side, not the side of Bill Gates or John Howard. Concrete solidarity with people's struggles in the Third World is essential to building global solidarity and justice. Our strength is in our numbers: together we can change the world!