Activists Demand Change From IMF/World Bank
November 13, 2001 -- In advance of the institutions' meeting in Ottawa, Global Democracy Ottawa, in coalition with a broad array of social justice, environmental, labor, human rights, student groups and activists will re-release four demands which, if implemented, would begin to create a more just global economy that elevates human need over corporate greed.
Aimed squarely at the core economic policies and anti-democratic operating principles of the World Bank and the IMF, the demands were originally released on August 29th, one month prior to planned September meetings in Washington that were postpone, following September 11th. The World Bank has since posted a response to the demands on its web site; a civil society rebuttal will be issued at this press conference.
This challenge to the World Bank and IMF takes place just two days before the meetings of the "Group of 20" economically significant countries and three days before the convening of meetings of the IMF and World Bank.
A series of demonstrations and educational events about the global economy are planned for November 16, 17, and 18 in Ottawa.
Speakers will explain how the current policies of the World Bank and IMF -- devised by the richest countries for the benefit of multinational corporations -- are decimating communities, destroying ecosystems and increasing poverty at an alarming rate.
Location: Charles Lynch Room, Centre Block, Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Time: 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Date: November 15, 2001
Speakers:
Pamela Foster: Halifax Initiative, Ottawa
Marie-Claude Huot: CAZO (Comité ante-ZLEA de l'Outaouais)
Jamie Kneen: Global Democracy Ottawa
Stephen Kretzmann: Sustainable Energy & Economy Network
To arrange interviews with organizers, experts, activists and others, contact: Pam Foster, tel: 613-789-4447 or cell: 613-266-8100
For more information:
Global Democracy Ottawa
153 Rue Chapel St.
Ottawa, ON K1N 1H5
Tel. 613.237.0730
Fax 613.236.6654
- 194 World Financial Institutions