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Discussions about Future Themes at the University Day in Karlsruhe, Action for the Robin Hood Tax and further Activities by Local Groups
On the 15th of June, the local Global Marshall Plan students’ group in Karlsruhe implemented its first “Hochschultag Ökosoziale Marktwirtschaft und Nachhaltigkeit” (e.g. University Day: Eco Social Market Economy and Sustainability). Together with other student groups, they offered an exciting and diversified program.
After being introduced by Uwe Möller, former general secretary of the Club of Rome, Andreas Huber, the executive director of the Global Marshall Plan Foundation, gave an exciting presentation about the Initiative and about the desert project DESERTEC and its potential socio economic impacts. The room was packed, demonstrating the significant interest in the topic. Furthermore, the University Day enabled its attendees to participate in workshops focusing on future oriented themes, the screening of the film “Soylent Green”, as well as a “Globalisierungskritischer Campusrundgang” (e.g. globalization critical campus tour).
The program included fascinating presentations by Prof. Dr. Dr. Radermacher, FAW/n Ulm, about the eco social perspective, and Prof. John Roemer from the Yale University, talking about sustainability in the context of global warming.
The lesson was clear and the group can be very proud of their event. The attendance rate was fantastic and the Global Marshall Plan group even obtained some new active members for future activities like another University Day!
The University Day Project "Hochschultage Oekosoziale Marktwirtschaft und Nachhaltigkeit" is an initiative inspired by the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. The aim of this initiative is not only to raise awareness and start a discussion about the issue of sustainability, but also to inspire participants to start networking and become active in the community. The University Days is a common project from altogether six partner organizations, including the Global Marshall Plan Foundation.
Global Marshall Plan groups, who want to organize such an event, or are interested in more information about it, can contact us under hochschultage@globalmarshallplan.org.
Pressured by the rapid developments concerning the implementation of the financial transaction tax in the European Union, the local group from Duesseldorf has designed a roadmap for the following year. The group views the current problems of the financial market as a global problem and wants urgently to influence developments so that the revenues of the tax can be used for the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.
The North Rhine-Westphalen state, where the city of Duesseldorf is located, has stressed the reference to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. The group wants to support Initiatives like “Steuer gegen Armut” (e.g. tax against poverty), or the “Robin Hood Tax”campaign in England. They want to make an active contribution, where they prepare an appeal towards politics and civil society, which brings the problems of the financial market into the context of global justice. The group will discuss the topic publicly and put pressure on the state parliament of North Rhine-Westphalia. If you want to have more information about this groups actions towards a real Robin Hood Tax, you can contact them at duesseldorf@globalmarshallplan.org.
The local group from Munich presented themselves at the “Erlebnistag” (e.g. Experience Day) of the Oekologischen Bildungszentrum Munich (Ecological Education Center) on the 3rd of July 2011. As an associate of the Center, the group celebrated the Center’s 10th anniversary with them. Besides activities and information about the institution itself, initiatives and organizations had the possibility to present their ideas. The local Global Marshall Plan group took this opportunity to showcase the Global Marshall Plan to the public and answered questions put forward by the attendees. Offering fair-trade snacks from one of their cooperation partners, they held interesting and inspiring talks about the Global Marshall Plan.
(Photos: Local group of Karlsruhe; campaigners in Australia; Ecological Education Centre)
2011 Smenos report: How can we ensure that society is prepared?
More than 30 active local groups and organisations came together this year for the Smenos Summer Week meeting as organised by the Global Marshall Plan Initiative. On the Saturday morning, local groups and organisations exchanged their knowledge, experience and ideas about how to lobby for a world in balance.
Over the Saturday afternoon, a central theme discussed was how society should best prepare for an approaching crisis. As Frithjof Finkbeiner contributed (Paraphrasing) „While we don’t yet know what form the next crisis might take, the question is what will happen after the next crisis?” The vast majority in attendance agreed that a crisis was inevitable.
On the Saturday afternoon the following proposal was put forward.
Imagine that we were invited to a meeting at the Chancellors office or with the United Nations. How could we use this important opportunity?
The core themes to emerge from this discussion, which can now be found in the internet for further discussion, were:
How could an eco-social market economy help to prevent a financial crisis?
What do we do after the next crisis? What is our 10 point plan?
When asked what local groups could to do to contribute, Franz Josef Radermacher recommended that “…Local groups undertake concrete actions in their own locale, and it is also important that they work to raise awareness throughout their community.”
“The mobilisation power of civil society organisations is important capital… the pressure on the government needs to be increased to encourage them to adopt a global agreement” This was a central statement posted on the “Podiums diskussion” in response to the theme of Global Governance from the previous evening.
All supporters and participants are welcome to contribute their own knowledge and ideas to the discussion.
The Events are a Great Success - Resulting Activities are still going on!
The local groups of Schwenningen and Tuebingen spent months organizing their highly informative and inspiring events. As a result, a range of items on the agenda were offered to the participants, existing out of students through to local politicians, over these days. A clear feature was the presentations given by Keynote speakers. At Schwenningen, the agenda was filled with lectures held by experts in the areas of socio-economics, climate science, and business who shared their knowledge with the students. At Tuebingen, the 3-hour workshops were the core element of the agenda. At these workshops, students were introduced to an issue and then encouraged to put forward their ideas not only for how policies could be improved, but also for what the students themselves could start doing to implement change. Topics were for instance critical consumerism, the limits to growth and the prospects of electro mobility.
Besides the lectures and workshops, the agenda included also a documentary film and hands on activities such as the use of a bike to produce electricity and the possibility to test drive an electric car. At both events there were also stalls run by regional growers and fair trade dealers, where delicious regional and fair trade produce was on offer.
The events were considered to have been a great success and one month later there is still activity going on. Following the events it is clear that people were inspired to continue being active in their university and their region. Networks have grown and some students already have implemented their follow up strategies. Expert speakers at the original event were highly optimistic that this was the beginning of real action and possible change.
The next upcoming University Day organized by a local group out of the initiative, will take place next week at Karlsruhe. Besides lectures, workshops and a screening, the participants will have the possibility to do a consumption questioning tour on campus during the packed one-day event. You can read more about that exciting event in the July-Newsletter.
The University Day Project "Hochschultage Oekosoziale Marktwirtschaft und Nachhaltigkeit" is an initiative inspired by the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development. The aim of this initiative is not only to raise awareness and start a discussion about the issue of sustainability, but also to inspire participants to start networking and become active in the community. The University Days is a common project from altogether six partner organizations, including the Global Marshall Plan Foundation.
Global Marshall Plan groups, who want to organize such an event, or are interested in more information about it, can contact us under hochschultage@globalmarshallplan.org.
(Photos: University Day Villingen-Schwenningen)
Italys minister of foreign affairs calls for a Marshall Plan for the countries of the arab spring to bring them (economical) stability.
US President Barack Obama’s major speech on the consequences of the Arab Spring is also a challenge for Europe. Only if the trans-Atlantic partnership proves effective, as it did to meet the demands of the Cold War and the end of Europe’s division, can the West contribute to realizing the hopes engendered by the Arab uprisings.
The crisis in Europe’s southern neighborhood reflects a deep-seated transformation process that will have long-lasting consequences – for the region, for Europe, and for the world. The Mediterranean region is vital to Europe’s peace, stability, and economic growth. The continent’s Mediterranean neighbors look to Europe as their natural partner. And events there, including the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, have a broader impact that naturally entails the close involvement of global partners – first and foremost the United States.
Current events, not just in Libya, but also in Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Yemen, and Bahrain, mirror the political complexity of these countries. They also spring from different factors, such as frustration with rising food prices and widespread corruption, coupled with demands for greater democratization, reduction of economic and social inequalities, and job creation.
Europe’s response to this process must embody the goal of an orderly and rapid transition. Proposals for some sort of “partnership for transformation,” based on political reform and full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms, should bear in mind that the region’s political landscape looks certain to remain volatile and tense in the coming months.
No surprise, then, that regional stability has emerged as a high priority for Europeans. Chaos, a resurgence of terrorism, the rise of radical Islamism, and massive waves of immigration towards Europe are just a few of the potential threats to the European Union that are now being contemplated. Given this, the EU should be doing its utmost to prevent any deterioration of the region’s security.
Just as the post-1945 Marshall Plan consisted of a financial-aid package aimed at reconstructing and re-launching Western Europe’s economies to support democratic transformation and political stability, the countries of the Arab Spring face similar challenges and needs. We need to enable countries like Egypt and Tunisia – and possibly a peaceful Libya – to strengthen their political stability through democratization.
The Marshall Plan was accompanied by partnerships for reconstruction in which the US and European recipient countries were on an equal footing. The aim was to strengthen cooperation as a means of creating a lasting peace. The situation in the Mediterranean region is at a more advanced stage. The broad planks of a partnership are already there, so what is now needed is to enhance Europe’s integration with its southern neighbors.
This is why Italy has proposed a new EU “Plan for the Mediterranean” aimed at supporting the transition process and building upon existing institutional and financial tools to provide the region with additional resources. The Union for the Mediterranean, launched by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2008, must be revitalized and re-directed towards development projects ranging from highways and ports to the promotion of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).
But a broader economic initiative is also needed to mobilize a critical mass of European and international financial resources to attract investment to the region and modernize its infrastructures and services. Let us, together with the US, tear down the trade and economic barriers that are stifling these economies. Let us also grant some Mediterranean countries association status that will allow them to integrate progressively into the EU’s internal market and participate in EU programs.
To achieve all of this, a clear set of principles is required. We Europeans must favor stability, create a real spirit of co-ownership, and promote political responsibility.In this new framework, the EU should avoid excessive conditionality, especially during the transition period.
Europe’s strong support for the region’s economic development must remain the top priority, as Arab countries introduce necessary reforms. Moreover, a dedicated financial institution should be set up to aid in this task. One proposal worth considering is to upgrade and strengthen the European Investment Bank’s Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP), which would become an autonomous institution, perhaps headquartered in the Middle East or North Africa, with shares held by the region’s governments (or other institutions) and other willing parties.
The London-based European Bank for Reconstruction and Development could join this effort by extending its activities to the region, which could be coupled with the creation of dedicated services to support the growth of job-creating enterprises. The EBRD made an important contribution to the economic transition process in Eastern Europe; there’s a good case for drawing on its experience and expertise to help the southern Mediterranean.
At the same time, the EU must launch a “dialogue among equals” on political and security matters, aimed at confidence-building across the region. A Conference on Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East (CSCM) could quickly become a useful instrument for promoting this comprehensive approach to security and development. In short, we need to transform the Mediterranean countries into producers rather than consumers of regional stability.
We Europeans cannot afford to turn our backs on our Arab friends along the far shores of “mare nostrum.” They are part of our collective history, and they deserve the better future that we can help them to build.
Franco Frattini, Italy’s minister of foreign affairs, was EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security.
Copyright: Project Syndicate/Europe’s World, 2011.
www.project-syndicate.org
www.europesworld.org
(image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org)
Turning a global crisis into a global opportunity
The implementation of a Financial Transactions Tax (FTT), one of the 5 core goals of the Global Marshall Plan, looks like it could finally be within reach. The revenue raised from an FTT could then be used in the fight against poverty and climate change!
Since the EU Commissions President, Jose Manuel Borroso and the Taxation Commissioner Semeta officially argued in support of an EU-wide introduction of a FTT on the 21 of July 2011, further discussions and events have transpired rapidly.
According to Barroso, with a smart design this tax could certainly be introduced at the EU level. As early as 2012, the proposed tax could be a reality. On the 22 of July, as part of the International Action Day for a FTT, civil society groups from 35 different countries lobbied for the introduction of a FTT. With campaigns to raise awareness and also to inspire, these groups helped to increase to political pressure. You can learn more on the on-going global campaign at the website “The Robin Hood Tax – turning a global crisis into a global opportunity”.
Following the recent financial crisis and also the EU debt crisis, the introduction of this tax would be highly favourable. However, the utilization of the revenues seems to be under contestation suddenly.
While those from the campaign, the Global Marshall Plan Initiative and other civil society groups are calling to use the revenue for the fight against poverty and climate justice, several EU country representatives, including France, support the accrual of FTT funds in the EU-Budget. Germany remains opposed to this proposal.
Irrespective of how funds are used, EU Tax Commissioner Semeta argues "We want to lead with a positive example and then extend pressure equally around the globe - just as the European parliament and country and government leaders have challenged us." When asked whether the money should go to the EU budget or if it should prevent risky dealings in the financial market, Semeta replied "both is at stake." 
However, the direction of funds should be advised from the argument about the fight against poverty and climate protection, which last spring was considered by the politicians themselves to be a central ground for the FTT. Civil society must be further called upon to increase the pressure!The Global Marshall Plan Group in Duesseldorf has already been active.
Shortly, about the background of the tax: The Financial transaction tax is based on the "Tobin Tax", an idea first developed in the 70's. As an instrument to regulate the financial market, under this proposal trading of financial assets, i.e. shares, bonds, derivatives, foreign exchanges etc, will all be taxable. With minimal tax rates, from .01 to.5% the state could tax the trading of all financial products. In addition, this tax should slow down the events of the financial markets and therefore curb the possibility of dangerous consequences, for example the cause of the previous financial crisis.
The example of new discussion around the introduction of a FTT shows that a crisis can also offer a new chance. An opportunity for change! This point was also a theme at the annual meeting of the Initiative. In the face of the next big crisis, the Global Marshall Plan Initiative wants to be armed with its own "Rescue Plan". This plan would present a comprehensive alternative to the plan of the stakeholders who consider only the needs of the Economy and the financial markets.
Imagine for a moment that the Chancellor's Office or the United Nations would call and ask for your suggestions. How would you respond? What would the next steps be? What proposals would be useful, straight forward and effective? You can send us your ideas at discussion@globalmarshallplan.org or discuss them with us on our online discussions forum Smenos!
You can find a further detailled collection of information (also articles and texts in English) at the Germam Campaigns website "Steuer gegen Armut" (Tax against Poverty).
(Photos: Website “The Robin Hood Tax")
The UN reports progress towards poverty alleviation and urges increased support for the poorest
The Millennium Development Goals Report 2011, prepared by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), has been launched in Geneva at the 7th of July 2011. The achivement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) constitutes one of the five core goals of the Global Marshall Plan. 
Significant strides have been made towards the Millennium Development Goals, yet reaching all the goals by the 2015 deadline remains challenging, as the world's poorest are being left behind, according to the MDG Report 2011, the UN's annual progress report. "The MDGs have helped lift millions of people out of poverty, save countless children's lives and ensure that they attend school," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said. "At the same time, we still have a long way to go in empowering women and girls, promoting sustainable development, and protecting the most vulnerable."
Despite significant setbacks caused by the global economic crisis that plunged much of the world into recession in 2008 and 2009, and the high food and energy prices, the world is still on track to achieve the MDGs, according to the report.
“Achieving all the MDGs will require extra effort. Even where we have seen rapid growth, as in East Asia and other parts of the developing world, progress is not universal, nor are the benefits evenly shared,” said Mr. Ban. “Stubbornly high unemployment persists in rich and poor countries alike. And in many cases, the wealth gap is widening between the prosperous and the marginalized and between urban and rural,” he added.
The report, however, stressed that efforts need to be intensified especially among the most vulnerable members of the global population who continue to be marginalised as a result of sex, age, ethnicity or disability. Disparities in progress between urban and rural areas also remain significant, according to the report.
“Everywhere, social inequalities have grown too wide,” Mr. Ban later told reporters. “We need to change that. We need to do things differently. We need a renewed global partnership for global social progress.” Read more here.
Download the full report here.
More press materials can be found here.
(Photos: UN MDGs Report 2011)
The Initiative and Plant-for-the-Planet in the media
08/25/2011 - 08/26/2011
Louvain, Belgium
Become climate justice ambassador!
On the 25th and 26th of August 2011, there will be a Plant-for-the-Planet Academy in Louvain, Belgium. Are you interested in participating? If so, please contact Ms. Knuth: kerstin(dot)knuth(at)plant-for-the-planet(dot)org.
More information will be available on our website soon!
09/03/2011 09:00 am (local time) - 09/03/2011 6:00 pm (local time)
Oslo, Norway
Become climate justice ambassador!
A Plant-for-the-Planet Academy is a wonderful opportunity for children to come together, learn about global issues and to create their own action plan as to what they intend to do to solve the climate crisis. Here, the main responsibility of raising awareness and taking action is taken over by the children. The children encourage other young people to find and use their voices to have a say in their own future. Participation is free of charge!
More information can be found on our website, further details will follow soon.
09/24/2011
Worldwide
A day to move beyond fossil fuels
Moving Planet: a day to move beyond fossil fuels
Moving Planet is a worldwide rally that will demand solutions to the climate crisis - a single day to move away from fossil fuels. You can come on a bike, on skates, on a skate-board, or you can walk. For too long, our leaders have denied and delayed, compromised and caved. This era must come to an end: it's time to get moving on the climate crisis.
Come with your neighbours and your friends, your family and your co-workers. Come and be part of something huge.
All over the world on September 24, 2011
More at: http://www.moving-planet.org/
06/20/2012 - 06/22/2012
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
taking place in June 2012
