| Search: |
MCC conference participants (Photo courtesy of United Mission to Nepal) South Asia
A May 6-8, 2003, conference, "Globalization and Development in South Asia," helped MCC and its partner organizations in Bangladesh, India and Nepal examine the economic aspects of globalization in the region. Held in Kathmandu, Nepal, the conference drew more than 50 participants. South Asia has the world's largest concentration of poor people and a long history of international trade. Conference presenters included academics and activists from the region who hold various views on the impact of globalization. Some fear that regional and global power imbalances threaten the livelihood of the poor and hurt local producers. Others argue that globalization gives small countries a wider range of options and helps poor consumers by providing inexpensive goods. Other topics included the effects of migration on the region, especially the impact of illegal trafficking in women and children for labor and prostitution. MCC workers were challenged to consider how MCC can support people in Nepal, India and Bangladesh who are excluded from or hurt by globalization. Most participants agreed that globalization can hurt the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. Some speakers called for embracing the opportunities inherent in more open markets, while advocating for changes that would make globalization's promise of prosperity available to more people. Others believe the current "free trade" system is unsustainable on both social and ecological levels. |
|
|
