World Social Forum (WSF), Mumbai, January 2004
WCC activities

Spirituality of life and human dignity
Youth creating alternatives to economic globalization

Background:
Approaching economic globalization from spiritual, moral and ethical perspectives, we question how just and fair the present economic policies promoted by the International Financial Institutions are - especially to the vulnerable and impoverished. For these, we believe, God has expressed a preferential option. Do the policies support right relationships between North and South, and between the powerful and the powerless? Are they friendly to God’s creation? Do they affirm human dignity and care for life in all its richness and diversity? Most poor countries and their people do not benefit much from world trade. In addition to this, the poor countries are struggling under the burden of heavy debt – many with illegitimate debt. The present form of economic globalizsation is promoted by the World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. These organizations are dominated by the developed countries in an undemocratic way leading to further marginalization of people in the developing countries.

How are young people addressing economic globalization? Young people have in many countries taken leadership among the civil society groups demanding just trade, cancellation of illegitimate debt and challenging how decisions regarding people's future are taken in undemocratic international financial institutions. What can we learn from each other's contexts? How can we involve young people in places and countries where young people are not so active? How can we strengthen the co-operation between the various active youth groups advocating for economic justice? How does our faith and spirituality support the struggles for life and human dignity?

Goals : To strengthen the efforts of youth networks in promoting just trade.

Summary of central issues:
1. How is debt and trade influencing the lives of young people?
3. What difference can young people make in promoting alternatives?
2. How can a Spirituality of Life and Human Dignity strengthen our search for alternatives?

Expected results/outcomes :
a. Clarify how the lives of young people are affected by the unjust trade and debt policies.
b. Assist young people in making use of each other's experiences and resources in promoting alternatives to globalization and a Spirituality of Life and Human Dignity.
c. Strengthen the networks and bonds of solidarity between young people working for alternatives to globalization in different parts of the world.
d. Involve new groups of young people from religious communities in resisting and searching for alternatives to globalization by outlining spiritual imperatives for such involvement.
e. Explore ways young people effectively can challenge and influence churches, religious groups and societies which they are part of.

Panellists:
Ms Tale Hungnes, Changemaker – Norway,
Mr. Angelious Michael, National Council of Churches in India and Sstudent Christian Movement in India
Ms S.G. Alli , National Alliance of People's Movement in Chennai – India
Mr. Gareth Samuel Lochhead, Student Christian Movement in Aotearoa - Aotearoa New Zealand

Coordinated by Freddy Knutsen, programme executive for Youth, World Council of Churches

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