Areas of Engagement

Volume 58.2/3 explores what process of rural transformation will likely emerge from the context of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development: whether this transformation will be driven by agro-business and therefore succumb to its predatory nature towards land, resources and rights or whether it will be centred around rural and grassroots communities’ interests and demands.

Trade unions and campaigners from around the world are boycotting the latest World Bank consultation on PPPs, due to close tomorrow (28 February).

Research shows that PPPs – agreements between the public and private sector to provide infrastructure and services normally delivered by the state – are risky and expensive and contain numerous hidden costs. Currently, most governments leave information about future debts, or contingent liabilities, out of their accounting books, making PPPs look cheaper and more efficient that traditional public procurement.

In an unprecedented and historic move, the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly recently granted observer status to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The resolution was submitted by France, Albania, Colombia, the Netherlands and Tunisia and was adopted during the seventy-first session of the General Assembly. The resolution sets out the ICC’s position as observer in the General Assembly from 1 January 2017 on.

Timed to coincide with the UN Member State negotiations to establish a legally binding instrument to regulate activities by Transnational Corporations, the Treaty Alliance mobilizes in and out Palais des Nations and calls for action.