Who gets to define the future?

THE UN’S SUMMIT AS A MECHANISM FOR CORPORATE CAPTURE

PRESS CONFERENCE

MONDAY, SEPT 16, 2024, 11AM GMT-3 / 4PM CET / 10 am EST

Language interpretation available in English, French and Spanish. Register here

The world is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises—climate change, pandemics, natural disasters, genocides, wars, and soaring inequality. The international response, led by the United Nations and its multilateral system, has largely failed to deliver real solutions. Instead, global governance continues to be shaped by the interests of powerful corporations and a handful of wealthy nations, perpetuating a system that overlooks the needs of the majority, particularly in the Global South. This model of governance has only deepened inequality and exacerbated environmental degradation, offering no meaningful solutions to the escalating global crises.

“The upcoming Summit of the Future (Sept. 22-23) risks becoming yet another exercise in maintaining the status quo. What the world truly needs is a democratic global government—one that is inclusive, accountable, and capable of addressing the urgent challenges we face,” said Gonzalo Berrón from the Transnational Institute (TNI).

Voices from the Global South continue to be sidelined and marginalized in global decision-making. Frustration is growing in this region over the dominance of developed countries and transnational corporations in shaping international policies. The failures evident in our global governance have no doubt fueled the rise of far-right and fascist movements worldwide, capitalizing on the disillusionment of populations left behind by the current system of global governance.

In response to these mounting challenges, a coalition of social movements and organizations will gather in New York from September 19-21 to present their perspectives and demands for a new multilateralism that serves both people and the planet.

On September 16, these organizations will hold a press conference to discuss the implications of a UN increasingly captured by corporate interests under the guise of “multistakeholderism.” Speakers will outline the demands and proposals put forth by social movements and civil society from around the world.

“The Summit of the Future is unlikely to deliver the transformative changes the world needs. Instead of addressing the root causes of today’s crises, it appears poised to offer vague commitments that reinforce the existing neoliberal system,” said Martín Drago of Friends of the Earth International. “What we need is a new global governance structure—one that is democratic, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all people, not just the privileged few.”

In this press conference, September 16 at 10am EST, social movements and organizations will present their visions on:

• The global crises we face and their threats
• A critical assessment of the state of multilateralism
• The role of multistakeholderism and corporate capture
• UN negotiations on food, agriculture, and hunger eradication
• The overreach of Big Tech in social and public life
• The urgent need for accountable governance in AI
• The multilateralism we require for a sustainable and equitable future

Speakers Include:

Martín Drago, Friends of the Earth International

Gonzalo Berrón, Transnational Institute

Anita Gurumurthy, IT for Change

Register here

For inquiries and sources contact: José Elosegui (jose@foei.org)