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Past Program

Apr 17 - Apr 24, 2002 Session 397

Global Economic Institutions: Change, Dialogue and Public Policy

Abstract

During the last decade of the twentieth century, the forces of globalization came under increased scrutiny from governments, financial institutions, and concerned citizens and citizen-groups alike. As the reach of global economic institutions expands, the ability of national governments to regulate—or even influence—the course of economic events has been called into question. At issue in these discussions, debates, and protests are the policies and governance of the principal global economic institutions—the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization—and their interactions with member governments, other international agencies, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). To whom are these institutions accountable, what is the reach and effect of their decisions, and how do they serve—or not serve—the goals of promoting sustainable growth, economic development and social stability?

 

This session will bring together individuals from the entire spectrum of this debate—the international financial community, citizen groups, governments, corporations, labor organizations, and NGOs—to discuss what reforms may be needed in global economic institutions. Issues to be addressed include: sustainable development and international lending practices; trade rules and national sovereignty; international labor standards; environmental protection; and transnational corporations and civil society.