HIGHLIGHTS

March 12-13, 2003- Wye River Conference Center, Maryland, USA

I. Introduction

1. The meeting began with welcoming remarks by Mary Robinson who suggested that participants, (see list attached) when introducing themselves, may wish to also say a few words about the current crisis concerning Iraq as a way of allowing group reflection on the issue before beginning discussion of the formal agenda for the meeting.

2. Mary Robinson began the discussion by reviewing the broad objectives she had set for EGI. She noted that 2003 was an assessment and planning stage for how EGI could undertake activities in a sustained way over a 3 year period beginning in 2004. Two expert groups had been set up to support this phase -- the Human Rights Policy Action Group and Africa Capacity Building Group.

3. The Africa Capacity Building Group will look at how EGI could support governments and civil societies within selected African countries to strengthen their national human rights protection systems. This group will meet in Pretoria, South Africa from 14 to 16 April in a meeting hosted by the University of South Africa in cooperation with the Africa Institute. It has become clear that EGI needs to integrate its thinking on thematic issues concerning globalization with its intention to support human rights capacity building in Africa.

II. Overview of EGI

4. The EGI Issues Paper that was prepared for the meeting was introduced by Stefanie Grant who noted that there were a number of points of departure for the work of EGI. These include:

1) The UN Millennium Declaration and Development Goals
2) The need for the global economy to work constructively with other governance structures including those which seek to uphold human rights, labor and environmental standards etc.
3) The need for increased dialogue between human rights experts, economists, and political scientists.
4) The need for more data on the positive and negative impacts of globalization on social conditions, including economic and social rights, at local and national level.

5. The Issues Paper defined globalization as the progressive integration of economies and societies. While globalization has ‘worked’ for some societies, others have experienced little or even negative growth. It was important to identify negative critiques of globalization which emphasize:

1) Policies which have forced liberalization before safety nets are put in place, before there is an adequate regulatory framework, and before essentials for job creation are in place;
2) Structural adjustment programs which have led to cuts in subsidies and increased prices for food, health, or schooling, thus placing them out of reach of poor. Specifically, privatization of service provision – state contracts with private firms to provide water or education – have led to the introduction of ‘user fees’, and thereby cut numbers who could afford to enroll in primary school, and reduced % of girls;
3) The impact of international trade rules, under the WTO TRIPS Agreement, which have led to higher prices for medicines, and obstacles to lower price production by developing countries;
4) A perceived lack of values coherence between the WTO framework and treaties for the protection of social objectives such as human rights, labor and environmental standards;
5) The influence of private business has grown exponentially without corresponding mechanisms to ensure accountability.

6. For the purpose of discussion at the meeting and as a means of testing potential areas of future focus for EGI, the Issues Paper addressed three themes – (1) Health, access to drugs and HIV/AIDS, (2) migration, and (3) culture and diversity (see summary of discussions below).

III. Plenary Discussion

7. Peter Eigen led this session, which was intended to draw out participant perspectives on the EGI Issues Paper, by focusing initially on the six proposed criteria to be used by EGI in determining thematic issues it should address as part of its work.

These criteria, listed in para. 48 in the Issues Paper are:
(a) substantive in terms of human rights;
(b) important challenges of globalization;
(c) likely to influence, an d resonate with, wider policy discussions.
(d) play to Mary Robinson’s strengths;
(e) have the potential to lead to measurable change, and
(f) link with EGI's second pillar.

8. Participants offered a number of suggestions concerning the proposed criteria including:

(a) The importance of selecting themes that together can produce coherent messages, policy recommendations and measurable, tangible results.
(b) The need to ensure that selected themes do not override the overall objectives of EGI which is to bring the human rights standards and framework to broader debates and policy making concerning globalization.
(c) The importance of selecting themes that can help Mary Robinson to position herself and the objectives of EGI in a way that can impact on different audiences and decision makers.
(d) The recognition that the human rights standards and framework around which EGI wishes to base its work should be seen as a tool or leverage point for making international institutions more democratic, accountable, and transparent as well as for addressing issues of poverty and inequity etc.
(e) The value of selecting themes requiring further research or policy development as a way of influencing decision makers with new knowledge and proposals for action.
(f) The need to identify EGI target audiences – government leaders, general public, private sector, international orgs. etc.
(g) The need to be opportunistic in selecting themes.

9. Participants questioned whether discussion on themes should continue without first
determining EGI’s overall approach and methods of work e.g. research, outreach, convening etc. A number of ideas were proposed during this discussion including positioning EGI as:

(a) a promoter of good practices or model projects,
(b) a vehicle for Mary Robinson to influence policy makers and the general public,
(c) a network or “chorus” leader for organizations seeking to influence globalization issues at different levels
(d) a convener of dialogue and action around specific problems, issues
(e) an honest broker seeking ethical outcomes to global challenges; some participants felt that Mary Robinson was uniquely qualified to connect NGOs working on specific issues with international institutions which directly shape globalization policies at different levels.

10. The issue of EGI resources was also raised in this context as it was noted that methods of work and issues to be addressed to some degree were contingent upon levels of funding available. Participants also stressed that there were other initiatives addressing the issue of reform of existing institutions of global governance. If this is viewed as an objective of EGI, what should Mary Robinson’s and EGI’s specific role be?

11. The need for further conceptual work on how ethical outcomes can be more effectively promoted in different settings was stressed. The need to leverage the power of connection with other leaders and initiatives such as the ILO Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalization and the Commission of Human Security, the Panel on Civil Society involvement in the work of the United Nations etc. was noted.

12. Participants stressed the importance of EGI presenting a clear mission and approach and being able to offer concrete recommendations to the issues it seeks to address. EGI should clarify what it means by “ethical globalization” and what it would mean in practice IV. Discussion on Theme 1 – Health, access to drugs and HIV/AIDS.

13. This discussion was led by Geeta Rao Gupta who began by asking what specific issues within the broad theme of health required more ethical approaches and how key actors such as governments, businesses and international organizations could be influenced to take such approaches.

14. Participants highlighted access to essential drugs as perhaps the greatest ethical issue in addressing the problem of HIV/AIDS. The importance of addressing HIV/AIDS as a women’s issue both from the perspective of women as victims of the disease as well as primary caregivers for the sick and orphaned was also stressed. Participants also noted the importance of access to education and health services and the strong correlation between AIDS and extreme poverty.

15. Concerning the potential role EGI could play, participants asked what does a right to health mean in practice and what could EGI bring to these issues that others do not? How should it enter the field? Who should be the audience? The issue of violence against women was also noted in this context.

16. In response, participants suggested a number of possible ways that EGI might contribute to this issue. Examples included:

(a) Convening women leaders and human rights experts to address the issue from the perspective of women and AIDS.
(b) Working with parliaments to address stigma and discrimination against those living with AIDS
(c) Convening AIDS experts and human rights groups to explore how human rights approaches might best contribute in practical ways.
(d) Developing public campaigns that make the issue understandable, for example around the assertion that the “best AIDS vaccine is to invest in human rights”: access to education, information, healthcare as human rights etc.
(e) Convening pharmaceutical companies to discuss drug access and pricing with those at the local level responsible for delivering drugs to patients as well as governments most affected by AIDS. The need to press drug companies to lower prices was noted by a number of participants, as was the vulnerability of the health sector to corruption.
(f) Developing a better understanding of how policies which are rights based have been effective in stemming the spread of AIDS, although the difficulties inherent in gathering reliable data were noted.
(g) Cooperating with other initiatives such as the UNAIDS working group on human rights.
(h) Providing a voice for those who are active in the field, especially young women, whose work often goes unnoticed and who if given a platform, could contribute more to solutions globally.

17. Participants stressed the need for EGI to consult with experts in the field to determine how best it could add value on this issue, to focus on the global dimension of the problem, and the importance of partnerships with others working on different aspects.

V. Discussion on Theme 2 - Migration

18. This session was led by Arthur Helton who began the discussion by reviewing the issue of migration from two perspectives:

1) Unauthorized or undocumented migration is the most problematic as it involves and facilitates problems such as sweatshop labor and the trafficking of people.
2) Authorized migration is economically-driven and is problematic in its facilitation of processes of “brain drain”, and the exportation of skilled people from developing countries to developed countries.

19. It was noted that there are currently clear gaps in the institutional architecture that exists to address migration. Policy making in relation to migrants has been primarily from the perspective of law enforcement and policing mechanisms The Convention on Migrant Workers has been ratified by few states, and other treaty regimes, which have specific and limited tasks in the multi-faceted issue of migration, fail to work with one-another to take a comprehensive approach to the human rights of migrants.

20. It was noted that migration is the theme of the International Labor Conference next year and the World Commission on the Social Dimension of Human Rights is also looking at different dimensions of the issue.

21. The importance of distinguishing between economic migration, refugee flows and internally displaced persons was underlined as was the need to recognize different reasons for migration such as environmental changes, disease, access to water, conflict etc. Participants also stressed the links between migration and the issue of culture and identity. , Questions were also raised about the “brain drain” from developing countries and the issue of citizenship rights or global citizenship.

22. Participants highlighted resentment in host communities towards migrants and refugees. And noted that the issue of migration was politically sensitive, particularly in Europe, and often racially charged. If Mary Robinson and EGI are to play a constructive role, this would need to be taken into account.

23. Participants agreed that migration was a key challenge of globalization which required further work, and that an initial mapping of current initiatives and policy development on this issue should be undertaken to help identify entry points The new UN Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers might serve as an entry point and provisions of the convention which reflect more widely accepted treaty law might be highlighted as a way of promoting the Convention in counties other than those few which have yet ratified.

VI. Discussion on Theme 3 - Culture and Diversity

24. This session was led by Mahnaz Afkhami who began the discussion by proposing as a working definition of culture “the values, beliefs and aesthetics through which societies relate to their environment”. The example of changes in culture pre- and post-Galileo was given to illustrate how changes in knowledge impact the way people see themselves in relation to their environment. How does one deal with aspects of culture, set in tradition, when exposed to new knowledge? What do we preserve in terms of culture and diversity, and what do we change?

25. Participants agreed that attempting to address this issue in practical terms was extremely complex. There was concern expressed that the EGI Issues Paper had not properly identified and sorted through the various dimensions of culture and diversity and that this made it more difficult for participants to offer practical suggestions or guidance.

26. Some participants focused their comments on the impact of increasing Westernization or “Hollywood-ization” of cultures. Loss of indigenous languages was referred to as was the importance of diversity from an environmental perspective. Others stressed the need to prevent the perpetuation of harmful cultural practices such as slavery and the marginalization of women. The role of religious beliefs and religious leaders was also discussed as was the importance of creating more opportunities for understanding between cultures and religions.

27. The issue of loss of identity which was explored in the discussion on migration was raised again in this discussion. Participants agreed that fundamentalist views in all regions were reinforced by threats to identity and that more efforts were needed to engage on these issues within the framework of human rights.

28. Participants noted that at this stage the issue of culture and diversity might be more appropriately integrated into EGI’s work on the first two themes discussed rather than as a stand alone theme. It was agreed that the issue was too important for EGI not to reflect on further and that the perspective of human security could provide an entry point for a plan of action.

29. In revising the Issues Paper, efforts would be made to address culture and diversity questions within the themes addressing health and migration. A revised section on culture and diversity would also be prepared for discussion in Aspen, and which Mary Robinson would send to the group of indigenous fellows who had worked with the Office of High Commissioner for their views and suggestions for possible EGI activities on this theme.

VII. Informal Evening Discussion

30. Charlotte Bunch led this informal session and suggested that part of the discussion could return to the role of international institutions and the issues of poverty and inequality, which had been touched on during the day, but could be explored further by the group.

31. Participants began by exploring the idea of producing an EGI publication. It was suggested that such a publication should be accessible to a broad audience, include contributions from different authors, and begin to outline some of the thematic issues which EGI hopes to address. It was noted that different publications on similar themes were either currently available or being prepared. It was also suggested that different perspectives on globalization issues could be presented in such a publication with a human rights viewpoint or commentary on each. It was suggested that the question of “Are human rights and economic globalization compatible?” might be an overall theme for a publication.

32. Concerning the issue of global governance and the existing institutional architecture, the group discussed the question of how EGI could strategically impact key organizations. There was broad agreement that any approach to shaping an ethical globalization must take into account the role of international institutions, in particular the WTO, World Bank and IMF.

33. While the WTO was seen as a key organization because of its effective implementation mechanisms, participants pointed out that it was also one whose method of operation favored rich countries over poor countries. Negotiations were complex and developing countries with limited resources are not always able to ensure that their interests are protected. Mechanisms for civil society input are seen as lacking. What could be done to help developing countries be better equipped in their relations with the WTO, World Bank or IMF. And how can there be greater policy coherence between the institutions?

VIII. Day 2: Summary of key issues/themes from Day 1

34. Stefanie Grant provided a summary of the key themes arising from the discussion during Day 1. She noted the following points concerning:

Criteria and themes:
· The criteria could be strengthened by making it clear that EGI should not cover territory that is already being addressed by others.
· EGI should harness knowledge, not generate new knowledge.
· International institutions – both their defense and strengthening -- should not be a theme, but should inform all facets of EGI’s work.
· Poverty is an overriding challenge that should be present in all themes. The problem of wealth distribution should also be addressed.

HIV/AIDS:
· This is the most urgent human rights challenge.
· It is a field in which others are extremely active. EGI should consult with others who are working on this issue to insure original work.
· The role of women in this struggle should be highlighted. EGI needs to bring together women in the movement against AIDS within the human rights context.
· Pharmaceutical companies are also a key part of any dialogue.

Migration:
· This is perhaps the most physical materialization of globalization.
· The human rights angle has not been adequately addressed.
· There are a number of cautionary notes:

1) Political sensitivity
2) Absence of global policy making
3) Impacts on cultural identity
4) Brain drain

· There was a sense that EGI should not take this on as a proactive theme yet, but that it should develop a position in order to inform and influence ongoing – e.g. when the report of the Commission on Human Security is issued.

Culture and Diversity:
· This is a very difficult topic. “Back to the drawing board, not the scrap heap.”
· Many different strands and definitions need to be sorted out.
· Difficulty should not mean that it should not be taken up – rather its difficulty underlines the importance of the issue.

Three Areas for Further Discussion:
1) There is a need to define ethical globalization, and present it in such a way that the themes become its applications and do not overwhelm the mission.
2) What is proper role of this Group going forward? How could each participant contribute to EGI’s development through her/his own work?
3) To be effective, what concrete activities should EGI develop? What are specific pieces that can go into a work plan?

 

IX. What Now? Moving Forward

35. Robert Archer led this session and began by suggesting that it may be helpful to articulate an overview statement of what EGI is and what it will do. He suggested that based on discussions during Day 1, there were four areas that EGI should focus on:

1) Poverty
2) Inequality
3) Global governance
4) Social sustainability

36. There was discussion among participants about these areas. The question of whether to refer to “social sustainability” or simply “sustainability” which would also suggest environmental issues and the rights of future generations was discussed. It was noted that during at the Johannesburg Conference on Sustainable Development, for the first time the connections between environmental, development and human rights issues were made. The slogan there was “no sustainable development without human rights.”

37. Concerning global governance, participants noted that EGI’s message should revolve around the need to defend, strengthen and reform these organizations. It was also suggested that added to these concepts concerning global governance should be “replace” and “create”. The links between diversity, culture and sustainability were also raised as was the need to separate out the various dimensions of this theme so it is clear from what perspective EGI would be approaching it.

38. Participants also signaled the need for EGI to develop further the notion of ethical globalization and what is meant by ethics in this context. Words such as “values-led”, “inclusive”, “human rights centered” were used at different times. Having this thinking expanded will be useful in positioning EGI and its objectives.

39. Participants then began to suggest ideas for next steps or activities that could contribute to EGI’s objectives and organizational identity and structure. These included:

(a) more focused discussion with women’s groups and AIDS activists
(b) discussion with groups working on global governance issues
(c) dialogue with initiative addressing culture and politics in developing countries
(d) awareness raising activities in the U.S. on the role of international institutions and the need for greater concern about human rights
(e) discussion with public relations expert on how EGI’s public profile could be developed
(f) further clarification of concepts and approach. What are the 2 or 3 signature things EGI will do that aren’t being done by others? What will be EGI’s methodology of work? A proposal was made that EGI should position itself as a “Thought Leader”. Its approach could be to position itself as a:
- convener – a safe place – for addressing specific problems or issues
- developer and refiner of knowledge and policy recommendations
- advocate and disseminator of this information
(g) Personal role Mary Robinson can play in tackling specific problems – the idea of “shuttle diplomacy” should be considered as well as convener.

40. Robert Archer proposed that the final part of the meeting should focus on brainstorming on the specific things that could be done during in the rest of EGI’s planning stage during 2003. He suggested the following categories:

What can EGI do?:
· The themes: programming and preparing
· Research activities
· Framework paper
· Financing
· Three-year plan

What can the group do?
· Theme preparation
· Alliance-building / Contacts
· Research
· Activities
· U.S. profile advice
· International profile advice
· Financing

41. Participants offered a number of suggestions including:

· Organizing or co-convening meetings on specific issues or with specific groups
· Providing EGI with access to existing or ongoing research on issues such as poverty and immigration.
· Providing access for EGI to publish in Spanish.
· Media contacts
· Engaging parliamentarians and human rights organizations
· Working with/assisting graduate students who will be working with EGI this summer on research.
· Utilizing planned meetings to include discussions relating to EGI objectives.
· Preparing policy papers on specific issues such as globalization’s impact on the social sector and the role of international organizations.
· Offering facilities for EGI meetings.
· Following up with existing initiatives to determine how EGI might contribute.
· Posting information about EGI on partner organization websites.
· Linking EGI with other networks and potential partners.

42. Participants noted the need for EGI to develop a means for the conversation which began at this meeting to continue and to familiarize those who could not attend. It was suggested that an email list serve be established for this purpose which would allow group participants to remain in contact, receive updates on EGI activities, speeches, articles etc.

43. The group also briefly discussed the issue of whether EGI should become a separate legal entity. Participants noted that the current organizational arrangements seemed to provide EGI with a useful degree of flexibility. Difficulties with fundraising based on where a new organization is based were also raised. Concerning the issue of a Board or Advisory Group, participants stressed the need to ensure group diversity in terms of agenda, language, ethnicity, region etc.

44. Mary Robinson concluded the meeting by thanking participants for their active involvement in the discussions and by expressing her appreciation for the group’s focus and active help in offering constructive criticism and strong suggestions. The idea that EGI itself is becoming a chorus, with a range of voices all committed to shaping a more ethical globalization was an important one that should be developed further in the months ahead as preparations are made for the group’s second meeting in July.

28 March 2003