| A large counter-G8 conference will be held in June to raise awareness about the billions of people around the world who aren’t benefiting from globalization.
The final plans for the G6B Conference – named to represent the world’s six-billion people who aren’t represented by the G8 – were announced last week. The event has already attracted some important international speakers, and organizers are hoping it goes a long way to educating people about globalization.
"We are discussing the same issues as the G8 (leaders), but from a different angle," says organizer Lynn Foster.
"We’re not opposed to globalization – the term itself is neutral – but the way it’s been implemented has been devastating to everyone but those in the rich west."
Foster says the conference will look at everything from macroeconomics to human rights, with a goal of generating discussion on globalization and making recommendations to G8 governments.
"We’re trying to present some positive alternatives rather than just complaining," Foster says.
Confirmed speakers include: Stephen Lewis, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa; Salih Booker-Salih, the executive director of Africa Action in New York and Washington; and political scientist Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja.
The conference is open to the public and will take place June 21 to 25 at the U of C. More information is available at www.peaceandhumanrights.org.
PREPARING FOR G8
Those interested in learning more about the G8 and related issues don’t have to wait until June. A weekend of counter-G8 planning and discussion will begin April 18, featuring renowned activists Starhawk and Jaggi Singh.
A diverse range of events are taking place throughout the weekend, generally intended to educate, support and develop the Calgary activist community in anticipation of the G8 summit scheduled June 26 and 27 in Kananaskis. The events are being presented by G8 Training Working Group, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, the Calgary and District Labour Council and the Canadian Labour Congress. Some of the highlights include:
· Evening lectures and activities by Starhawk and Singh on issues ranging from global capitalism to a critical look at the so-called war on terrorism from April 18 to 21.
· A day-long workshop, titled Prep for Preppers, teaching activist training skills takes place April 19.
· All-day protest and activism workshops, which are open to the public on a drop-in basis, take place on April 20 and 21 at the Calgary Multicultural Centre beginning at 9 a.m.
For general information, visit www.g8.activist.ca, call 274-9570 or e-mail G8-training@activist.ca |
