Debate and discussions

How did we get here and how do we get out? An introduction to global justice

The world is experiencing an unprecedented number of crises – rocketing food and fuel prices, runaway climate change, wars over oil, historic levels of inequality and, of course, financial collapse on a global scale. How are these crises connected and do they exacerbate one another? Are there any solutions and how do we reach them? What can we learn from people around the world in terms of fighting for a better world?
Susan George, Andrew Simms (New Economics Foundation), Nick Hildyard (The Corner House), Gilbert Achcar

Introduction to climate justice

The ever increasing impacts of climate change are global, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions. Most at risk will be many of the world’s most vulnerable people in developing countries who are least responsible for the problem. This interactive workshop is suitable for those with little prior knowledge of climate change and will introduce some of the current campaigns for climate justice – from the fight against coal-fired power stations to the problems with carbon trading.
James Blair and Hannah Schling (People & Planet)

Can we tackle both climate change and poverty? People versus the planet

Our economic system has played an important role in bringing about climate change. Can we stop climate chaos using market mechanisms and technological solutions, or are deeper changes to the political system and the way we live, work and make decisions necessary? Can we have a socially just transition to a low carbon economy and what is the role of social movements in struggling for a such a transition?
Meena Raman, Kevin Smith (Carbon Trade Watch), Tony Juniper, Ken Livingstone, Benedict Southworth (World Development Movement)

Another world is possible: Alternatives to global finance and trade

Although ‘free market’ economics has come to dominate the world over the last three decades, alternatives are growing up at the edges of the system. From co-operatives and credit unions in the UK to a new Latin American bank and alternative trading system. Do these models provide real hope that another world is possible, on which we can build wider, global economic structures. Or are they simply well intentioned attempts that are doomed to fail?
Tarek El Diwany, Graham Turner, John Hilary (War on Want), Nora Fernandez (Ecuadorian Debt Commission), Faisal Rahman (Fair Finance), Karin Okonkwo-Klampfer (La Via Campesina)

Resistance is fertile: Global resistance North and South

Many people claim they can change the world – and most of them disagree with one another about how to do it. This session looks at inspiring examples of people fighting back in different ways and different contexts and asks, what is most effective? We examine whether radical political parties have the answer or grassroots social movements who shun political power. Should we use direct action as a tactic or massive demonstrations? Should we fight in solidarity with others, or deal with our own problems first? And, given all these differences, does a ‘global justice movement’ really exist?
Amit Srivastava, Trevor Ngwane, Neal Lawson (Compass), Hilary Wainwright (Red Pepper)

Activism in the UK: Where will change come from?

Have the chance to hear from some of the most inspiring networks and organisations driving change in the UK. Explore the ideas for change happening now, discuss which have the potential to transform the UK and get involved to make it happen. This will be a participative session including small group discussions on local, grassroots change; direct action; progressive party politics; web campaigning and change driven by arts and culture.
Richard Rieser, Hannah Lownsborough, David Babbs (38 degrees), Maddy Evans (Climate Camp)

After Gaza: How do we build a movement for justice for Palestine?

Israel's recent attack on Gaza is the culmination of a 60 year Israeli policy of collective punishment, killing and occupation against the Palestinian people made possible through the financial, military and diplomatic support Israel receives. There have been unprecedented global mobilisations in solidarity with Palestinian people, but where do we go next? Why is Palestinian civil society calling for a boycott, sanctions and divestments strategy against Israel and what does this mean in practice? And how do we hold to account corporations who are making a killing out of the occupation?
Jeremy Corbyn MP, Yasmin Khan (War on Want), Karma Nabulsi, Tom Hayes (Boycott Israeli Goods), Hugh Lanning (Palestine Solidarity Campaign)

'It all goes on arms and corruption.' What’s the point of aid?

Charities often talk about the need for aid to developing countries – and aid has brought hospitals, schools and infrastructure to the desperately poor. But why do countries need aid in the first place? Does it make countries dependent? Do we have enough money to give aid, stop climate change and write off developing country debt? And why do many Southern activists talk about the need for reparations rather than aid?
Yash Tandon, Karen Christiansen (Publish What You Fund Campaign), Sargon Nissan (New Economics Foundation)

The end of global finance?

We are living through the biggest financial crisis to consume North America and Europe for over 50 years, a crisis brought about by a system of greed and recklessness. Finance has come to control our lives over the last 30 years – as money runs round the world at ever faster rates to make a quick buck, so whole economies, and the lives of billions of people, are turned upside down. This session will explain how this situation came about, what it means for ordinary people in the developing and developed worlds and what we can do about it.
Yash Tandon, John Christensen (Tax Justice Network), Bronwen Smith-Thomas (People & Planet), Sargon Nissan (New Economics Foundation), Nick Dearden (Jubilee Debt Campaign)

What does fair food look like?

This session will look at different visions for delivering a fair and sustainable food system. The globalisation of food production and consumption has raised profound challenges in terms of both social justice and environmental sustainability. In recent years, organic farming, fairtrade and food sovereignty have emerged in response to these challenges. But as fluctuating commodity prices, climate change and energy insecurity threaten to unravel the global food system, will these approaches be sufficient?
Veronica Pasteur (Fairtrade Foundation), Christine Haigh (Sustain), Taysir Arabasi (Palestinian olive farmer), Karin Okonkwo-Klampfer (La Via Campesina)

Violence and non-violence in the Middle East

Throughout the 20th Century, from South Africa to Palestine, people have taken up arms to fight the violence and oppression their communities have faced. During the first intifada, Palestinians mainly organised non-violent popular resistance, yet the second intifada was largely based on armed resistance. From Palestine to Iraq and Lebanon, what strategies are justified and/or effective in fighting occupation? And what is our responsibility for bringing about peace and justice in the Middle East?
Tariq Ramadan, Alistair Crooke (Conflicts Forum), Dr Daud Abdullah (Muslim Council of Britain), Moshe Machover

Fight the (corporate) power! Strategies to combat the corporate takeover of our world

In every sphere of our lives, corporations seem to dominate. Supermarket chains are taking over our high streets and creating ghost towns. Fashion brands are exploiting millions of workers in sweatshops overseas. And even warfare is being privatised as corporate mercenaries profit from conflict in Iraq and elsewhere. From Coca Cola to Tesco, Primark to Agrexco, this workshop will discuss practical examples of how campaigners have successfully fought corporate power and examine what methods work and what success depends upon.
Amit Srivastara (India Resource Center), Gaynor Brown (Tescopoly), Ruth Tanner (War on Want).

European Union: Friend or foe?

In areas like trade negotiations, immigration policy, and extraction of resources, Europe fails to live up to its progressive ideals and is actively exploiting the people and environment of the global South. This session will explore Europe’s ambiguity as a political force in the world, as well as introducing the pan-European movement challenging its current direction.
Jean Lambert MEP, John Hilary (War on Want), Frederic Viale (Attac France)

Has the 'war on terror' destroyed our liberty for ever?

Politicians claimed that the war on terror has changed the rules of how society must operate. Opponents claimed that this was just a thinly veiled attempt to clamp down on our hard fought liberties. And now after 8 years of our 'liberty being traded for security' what impact will the closure of Guantanamo have on our civil liberties? The panel will discuss why were we not able to defend our liberties and can we ever regain what we have lost? And are we really sleep walking our way into a security state?
John Pandit, Moazzem Begg, Gareth Pierce, Ben Hayes (Statewatch), Asad Rehman (Newham Monitoring Project)

What does Obama mean for racial justice?

Barack Obama is being held up as a saviour on a wide range of social issues – but perhaps most importantly the fact he’s the first black leader of the most powerful country on earth is seen as the West coming to terms with its own past. How far does Obama represent a sea-change of issues of race, and how far can we expect his Presidency to bring real change in terms of racial politics?
Baroness Lola Young, Arun Kundnani (Institute of Race Relations), Barry Mussenden (Newham Monitoring Project), Tariq Ramadan

Is feminism dead?

Is feminism a dirty word in today’s world? Or has girl power rendered it pointless? Does nudity in advertising and the rise of lap dancing clubs prove that feminism is irrelevant or has never been more necessary? And how does the rise of religion impact on women’s struggle for equality?
Salma Yaqoob, Finn Mckay (London Feminist Network), Pragna Patel (Southall Black Sisters), Anjum Mouj (Imkaan project), Rachel North

Consumerism: Poverty and climate implications

This session will explore the impacts of our insatiable appetite to consume on poverty and the climate. What are the reasons for the rise of consumerism and how can we tackle it?
Dr Usama Hassan (City Circle), Neal Lawson (Compass), Saamah Abdallah (nef), Becca Jones (People & Planet)

Culture and resistance

Can music change the world? In what ways can art by used as a political tool? How do minority cultures contribute to radical politics and social change?
Richard Rieser and others

The G20 and beyond

Development and environmental campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and direct action activists are planning a week of action at the end of March 2009, to ‘welcome’ the G20 to town. Could this be the beginning of a new upsurge of activism in the UK and new forms of campaigning organisation? Find out more about what’s planned and get involved.
Tim Gee (Put People First), Kate Hudson (CND) and others

East London in the world

A walking history tour of East London

Discover the radical history of East London from anti-slavery struggles of the 18th century to anti-racism in the 1970s; from the fight for women’s votes to the threat of fascism; and most recently, fights against ‘gentrification’ and the Olympics.

Skills workshops

Street theatre

How to use street theatre at publicity stunts, demos and events to get your message across effectively.
With Lucy Ellinson

Networking and building connections

A chance for people to share ideas and experiences, to work with others to build communities, and generally look at what skills are needed to be a good networker.
Led by Broad Horizons

Leadership in the global world

A chance for new leaders, young and old to develop their sense of self and discover how to use these skills to organise meetings, speak in public setting and their own individual leadership skills.
Led by Winsome Duncan

You and your community

An entry level session that will look at how people can engage more in the political process and gain an understanding of what it means to them and the impact it can have at a local level.
Led by DITO

Filmmaking and photography

An opportunity to learn how to document and witness in an activist situation. Please note: participants need to bring their own cameras as the session will require you to be as mobile and self contained as you would be at an activist event.