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PrintGlobalisation
Date of Adoption: November 2001Policy Serial No: POS 2.3
The Problem:
Oxfam Australia observes that:
Globalisation refers to the increasing interconnectedness of humanity and the many ways in which space and time have been compressed by technology, information flows, trade and power so that distant actions have local effects.
Current patterns of globalisation are creating opportunities for those with the assets, skills and, the education needed to operate in increasingly competitive markets. Those without - the landless, the urban poor and the illiterate – are being left behind. Globalisation is not only creating new forms of inequality, it is also exacerbating existing inequalities.
Globalisation has seen the rise of multinational corporations. Private sector investment in developing countries now dwarfs the flow of official aid. Private investment is an important driver for economic growth and poverty reduction. Yet, poorly regulated private sector investment can also undermine people's rights and destroy the environment. The private sector is rightly under increasing pressure to be accountable for the social and environmental consequences of its actions.
Globalisation can also be a threat to cultural diversity, traditional community structures, and traditional knowledges on which many of the world's people depend.
Oxfam Australia Principles
Our view is:
- Globalisation is multi-faceted and involves more than economics. The globalisation of information flows and communication offers significant new opportunities to empower people. However, globalisation's economic advances have moved ahead of the capacity and will of governments, international institutions and civil society to protect the interests of the economically vulnerable.
- Economic globalisation can only help to end poverty if equity is given the same priority as economic growth. Without reform and regulation of international economic and financial policies and practices, the benefits that globalisation is undoubtedly bringing to many people throughout the world will not flow on to those who are most in need. A humane global balance sheet must be based on the principle that economics should benefit society and not the other way round.
- Responsible private sector investment in developing countries can be an important driver for economic growth and poverty reduction although such investment, without adequate regulation can have negative social and environmental impacts.
- The course of globalisation can be changed for the better. This will require a massive and sustained effort by the emerging global movement for economic and social justice, working critically and constructively with the corporate sector, governments and the international financial institutions.
Consequently, Oxfam Australia calls for:
- focus on equity – By focusing on equity Oxfam Australia have a message for those driving the world economy: that the interests of women, children, marginalised communities including indigenous groups, and the natural environment are more important than shareholder value and the bottom line of the balance sheet. We believe, in particular, that securing gender equity should be a leading priority for activism on globalisation.
- Stronger global governance to ensure that Trans National Corporations, multi-lateral organizations and other major players in the process of globalisation are transparent and accountable and that their practices are ecologically sustainable.
- Citizens of North and South need to work together for economic and social justice.
Appropriate Community-based Strategies:
- Where possible Oxfam Australia has a strategy of promoting dialogue between business representatives, governments, civil society, and NGOs on the social and environmental implications of the private sector and globalisation. Oxfam Australia believes there is a need for institutions of global governance, but that a number of these institutions such as the World Trade Organisation, require fundamental reform to serve the interests of all humanity.
- Oxfam Australia believes that a diversity of approaches by civil society organisations are necessary for creating more just and equitable course for globalisation. Oxfam Australia uses a range of advocacy tools and tactics including lobbying, popular campaigning, strategic sanctions and awareness raising.
- Generally, Oxfam Australia considers calls to close down institutions of global governance to be counter productive. Nevertheless Oxfam Australia believes that when there is no scope for dialogue or engagement on important issues of social justice then acts of non-violent civil disobedience may be appropriate.