The People 20 conference: are our democracies compatible with financial globalization?

On July 16 and 17, Buenos Aires (Argentina) will be the venue for the ‘People 20’ conference: a new initiative which will unite (finance, investment, trade and sustainability) experts from all over the world to discuss and promote an alternative agenda for the G-20 summit later this year in Argentina.

The initiators of ‘People 20’ – a mix of civil society organizations, universities and trade unions – firmly believe there is a need for a more inclusive finance agenda which respects values in regards to democracy, human rights and diversity. The aim of this event is to strengthen ties between movements in different countries and to create a space for dialogue to discuss alternatives. We wish to construct an agenda that integrates our conviction that another world is possible.

The ‘People 20’ conference will include a mix of lectures, workshops and panel discussions that will cover a range of topics:

• Democracy and financial globalization
• Rethinking international trade
• Reforming the international financial architecture
• Employment and social policies

Various experts in the fields of finance, sustainability, trade and investment are invited to share their expertise and vision on a more inclusive and sustainable financial sector.

Since the first G-20, 10 years ago, we have not seen a satisfying response to the economic, social and environmental problems of our age. Instead we witnessed a rise of inequality that gave rise to false solutions. On the 30th of November 2018, a G-20 meeting will take place in Argentina and we have is little hope this Summit will address the pressing issues of today.

’People 20’ is organized by the following civil society organizations and universities: SOMO (NL), Fundación SES-Latindad (AR), Centro Cultural de la Cooperación (AR), Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Nacional General Sarmiento (AR), Universidad Nacional de Quilmes (AR), Instituto de Altos Estudios Sociales de la Universidad de San Martin (AR), Universidad Nacional de José C. Paz (AR), Central de Trabajadores Argentinos (AR).