Huge global action on the horizon

Remember the World Social Forum earlier this year in Delhi, India? One good idea proposed was for a Global Week of Action. Hundreds of delegates backed this idea, and plans are gathering pace.

What is the Global Week of Action?

Between 10-16 April 2005, people from social movements, coalitions, organisations and campaigns active on international trade are joining together in united action. Stick the date in your diaries now!

The week aims to:

• Challenge the free trade myth - that free trade is the only answer to global poverty and the market will help protect the environment.

• Influence the agenda of governments, the G8, World Bank and World Trade Organisation.

• Propose alternatives to the current system.

• Show the scale of the movement by demonstrating our global solidarity.

• Build the movement through co-ordinated campaigning.

What is the message?

NO to the rich and powerful imposing unjust trade agreements, indiscriminate liberalisation and privatisation on the poor.

YES to universal rights to food, water, health, jobs and education.

Who are the targets?

Governments around the world for their role in pushing free trade in the following arenas:

• The World Trade Organisation - we demand an alternative system promoting sustainable development rather than free trade.

• The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank - we urge both to stop forcing free trade on the developing world through "advice" attached to new loans and debt repayments.

• Regional and bilateral trade agreements - an end to agreements putting profits before people and the planet.

Transnational corporations for their role in pushing free trade and and pursuing profit at our expense.

What next?

Keep checking here for updates on how Friends of the Earth will be participating in this global event. The Global Week of Action website has more information.

If your organisation wants to be involved, please call our Information Service. Freephone 0808 800 1111.

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