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9. Globalisation
Participants will discuss a range of risks related to the protection of breastfeeding, such as the increased power of transnational corporations versus the ability of national governments to regulate the baby food industries; the role of the World Trade Organisation, the Codex Alimentarius, trade blocks like the FTAA and the EU and their relationship to the International Code; the impact of new technologies such as transgenic human milk constituents added to infant foods, genetic modification of foods; and the regulation labelling and safety concerns of these foods. Creative ideas for action are expected to emerge regarding how to build linkages with other actors working to create a world that puts people first.
I. Globalisation: The Issues
Confused about why so many people are throwing rocks at each other? Speakers in this workshop will summarize the big globalisation issues shaping our world today and how they link to breastfeeding.
II. Globalisation: Trade Versus Health
Discuss how trade priorities set the global agenda and how the realities of poverty, equity, health and environment are sacrificed to corporate needs. Examples such as the new micronutrient initiative (GAIN, largely funded by Bill Gates' foundation) and how the mandates of the UN agencies are increasingly being compromised will add to the dynamics of our deliberations. How will breastfeeding protection, maternal and child health be impacted when trade priorities are the focus of global structures?
III. Globalisation: What YOU Can Do About It
For most of us, processes of globalisation probably feel inevitable. But this workshop will give you a chance to hear from people who are working for change. We will brainstorm together about practical ways to impact global structures, UN agencies, governments and peoples' organisations for human needs over market driven priorities. The focus will be on actions to protect breastfeeding in the face of globalisation. |
