When: 12PM GMT, 23 October 2013 Where: Online
CIVICUS is pleased to invite you to webinar on "a new paradigm shift for development" which will bring together representatives of civil society organisations to discuss the need for a new approach to development and key reforms needed in global governance. More specifically, the webinar will seek to address the following questions:
- Why is a new paradigm shift for development necessary?
- How should key global institutions be reformed to reflect this new shift?
- How can the voices of citizens be included in decision-making processes?
Please use the following link to register for the event: https://cc.readytalk.com/r/5jmmo7ed08hc&eom
Presenters:
Gina Govender, former trade unionist and anti-apartheid activist
Antonella Valmorbida, Association of Local Democracy Agencies
Aldo Caliari, Rethinking Bretton Woods Project
Jenni Williams, Women Of Zimbabwe Arise
Myrna Cunningham, Indigenous Rights Activist
CESR
Moderator: CIVICUS
For more information, contact:
Lerato Pagiwa, CIVICUS Communication Officer:
David Kode, CIVICUS Policy and Advocacy Officer:
Background:
The world currently stands on the verge of a precipice as it continues to grapple with the pitfalls of market fundamentalism, increasing levels of inequality within countries and between regions and the marginalisation of large groups of people in decision making processes.
The apparent disconnect between the political and economic elite and ordinary citizens have triggered large swathes of protests in different countries around the world as demonstrators call for better services, improved governance and an end to human rights abuses.
Short term solutions to the financial crisis have seen a tightening of fiscal policies and an alignment of aid and developmental assistance to the strategic interests and priorities of some donor governments.
Key decisions are made in global processes/institutions which either do not take into account the needs of the poor or are not fully implemented to bring about the changes necessary to reduce inequality and poverty.
Sadly, the impoverished, under represented and marginalised in societies, are most affected by these challenges.
The intensity of some of the challenges highlighted above has led to calls for a new paradigm shift for development, a new way of doing things and an inclusion of the voices of citizens in the formulation and implementation of policies.