The British Council has made a commitment to present world leaders with views on the future of the World Trade Organization (WTO) expressed in a new online debate. NGOs, activists and citizens across the world are invited to participate.
The pitched battles in Seattle, both physical and political, around the World Trade Organization highlighted the lack of communication between ordinary people and governments and the lack of access to the WTO structure and decision-making processes. The question of who benefits and who controls the processes behind globalization has been forced to the top of the agenda. The new forum is designed to tackle some of those issues.
Access to the WTO processes, which look set to shape the regulation of international trade, is a huge democratic issue. Questions of public interest range from whether agreements to entrench free trade should take precedence over other global treaties (for example on the environment), to whether governments should be allowed to intervene to protect markets such as the media, education and health, which are particularly important to civil society.
The one issue everyone seems to agree on is that there needs to be more access and transparency. President Clinton said: "If the WTO expects to have public support the public must see and hear and actually join in our deliberations. That's the only way that they know the process is fair and know their concerns are considered." How can this be achieved? Will an overhaul guarantee greater civil society participation as well as better access for poorer governments? This new project aims to help bridge the gap.
Those of you without cable TV can obtain tapes by leaving a message at the same number, or by visiting the TV-Sea studios at 600 4th avenue. Due to the high volume of requests, it may take some time, however.
To file complaints by email to the Seattle City Council WTO
Accountability Committee send your written comments, including name,
address, phone and email address to:
Rona Zevin or
Leslie Thornburg
Councilmember Jim Compton
600 Fourth Ave, 11th Floor
Seattle, WA 98104
Office of the Mayor
600 Fourth Avenue
Seattle WA 98104