|
23 June, 2002 - 20:09
THIS IS A SHAMELESS PLUG! G8 Activism: Kananaskis 2002: G6B The People's Summit: G8 Counter Conference Starting on: Friday, June 21, 2002 until Tuesday, June 25, 2002 Every day. On June 26 and 27, 2002, the leaders of the world's most industrialized countries, the G8, will meet in Kananaskis, Alberta. They will make critical decisions that will have global impact. Past G8 Summits have consistently failed to offer an effective means for individuals, civil society or even other states, to provide input to, or engage in, meaningful dialogue with G8 leaders. We believe, therefore, that an alternative forum, offering a means for the views and concerns of all of the world's peoples to be expressed and considered, is sorely needed. As such, the G6B (Group of 6 Billion -- reflecting the entire global citizenry) will be held in Calgary, offering a forum to generate and discuss ideas and solutions that will promote economic activities that are beneficial to people living in all parts of our world, but that also reflect full respect for human rights and the environment. The G6B Conference will offer an alternative view of the planet's future; one which is not rooted in increased militarism and poverty, and decreased human and civil rights. Committed to bridging the divides and inequalities that exist between the developed and developing world, the conference will bring forward recommendations in six theme areas: trade and economy, human security, health, education, environment, democracy and governance. Importantly the G6B will consider concrete proposals and clear recommendations, which will be presented to G8 governments in the weeks and months leading up to the Summit -- effective, practical solutions, not just a litany of problems and complaints. The Purposes of the Conference are: - To figure as part of a long term campaign for global peace, justice and equality - To pay particular attention to the needs, challenges and aspirations of the peoples of Africa - To foster public dialogue and participation on the issue of globalization in relation to social, economic and political well being, both individual and collective, from national and international perspectives - To make recommendations to G8 governments that will ensure equitable trade, protection of human rights and the environment, and sustainable development The Conference will bring renowned speakers, respected experts, and activists from the frontlines of poverty and conflict, together with an anticipated audience of 500, to explore a number of crucial issues and recommendations within the G6B's six themes. Consistent with the priorities of the G8, all sessions will have a special focus on the issues of Africa. An Alberta-based ngo, the International Society for Peace and Human Rights (ISPHR), has taken the lead in organizing this conference and is now working with a steering committee made up of other national and local organizations including; Amnesty International, Partnership Africa Canada, Rights and Democracy, University of Calgary G8 office and the Calgary African Community. We would like to invite all non-governmental organizations who share this philosophy and these beliefs, to join with us in this ambitious endeavour. We ask that you bring your partners from Africa and we ask for your financial support. Contacts or Sponsors: Web-site: http://www.g6bpeoplessummit.org/. Lynn Foster Phone: (403) 202-0638 E-mail: fosterlf {at] shaw {dot} ca Groups International Society for Peace and Human Rights: ISPHR Website: http://www.peaceandhumanrights.org/ Address: University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, CA T2N 1N4 Accessibility Age Restriction: all-ages. Cost: $ - limited number of sliding-scale admissions available.
|