alt-WTO: another world is possible

A mini-conference on alternatives to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) will begin the Week of Action in Wellington against the WTO and its free trade policies. The international Week of Action coincides with the WTO Ministerial Conference that will be held in Cancun, Mexico from 10-14 September.

'The WTO with a handful of the world's most powerful political and corporate leaders will be meeting in Cancun Mexico in early September. The WTO is an undemocratic organisation which is deciding on the economic fate of the world, its effects trickling down on all of us in the form of job losses and worker exploitation.' said co-organiser and Alliance Trade spokesperson, Robert Reid.

'alt-WTO is a gathering to introduce the issues surrounding the WTO, and encourage discussion of resistance and alternatives to WTO, 'trade liberalisation', and the neo-liberal agenda,' he said.

The gathering is a chance to hear some great speakers, and debate the issues, and have time to chat with others.

The organisers are encouraging unions, community groups, political parties, and individuals to bring their own information for the stalls that will be available.

The gathering is sponsored by the Wellington Branch of the Alliance and organised by members of the Left in Wellington.

For more information about alt-WTO contact

Robert Reid 027 415 6069

alt-WTO: another world is possible Thistle Hall, Cuba Street, WGTN Friday 5th and Saturday 6th of September cost: koha

for more information about the structure of the conference contact John Anderson 04 971 6695, john@eclectic.org.nz

Programme

Friday the 5th of September

7:00PM The WTO in Context Bill Rosenberg (ARENA)

8:30PM Visions of the Left (Youth Debate)

Saturday the 6th of September

9:30AM Introductory video on the WTO

10:00AM WTO and South America including Valerie Morse, Prue Hyman (ARENA), Paul Bruce (Latin America Committee)

11:00AM Trade and Development - Ewan Morris (Council for International Development)

12:00PM Lunch

1:00PM ‘Red Horse Flying’ - Song by Don Franks

1:10PM The Great Trade Debate including Rod Donald (Green Party), Robert Reid (Alliance), and Suse Reynolds (Trade Liberalisation Network)

2:30PM WTO and Sovereignty including Teanau Tuiono and Helen Te Hira

4:00PM ‘Learning from the anti-globalisation movement, and what next’ including Sam Buchanan (Committee for the Establishment of Civilisation) and Nick Henry

closing at 5:00 PM

Some changes in programme details may still occur

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