The We the 99 Present Summit for Global Economic Justice is a significant upcoming gathering scheduled from November 20 to November 22, 2023, at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, South Africa. This summit represents a collective effort to address critical global economic issues, emphasizing justice, equality, and social change. It serves as a counter-narrative to the G20 Leaders’ Summit, providing a platform for marginalized voices to speak out against the conventional trajectories of the global economy, which often favor elite interests over those of the majority.
Context and Objectives
Set against the backdrop of the G20 Summit, the We the 99 Summit offers a timely opportunity to critique and challenge the status quo. While G20 leaders convene to deliberate on economic policies that impact billions, We the 99 prioritizes the voices of everyday people through community engagement, dialogue, and cultural expression.
This three-day festival aims to interrogate the pervasive issue of global inequality. It seeks to advance people-centered alternatives by fostering movement-building and civic dialogue, positioning itself as a dynamic space for influencing policy and fostering activism. Drawing from South Africa’s rich cultural heritage, the event seeks to create an inclusive atmosphere that resonates with both local and international audiences.
Key Themes
The Summit is structured around several critical themes that address systemic economic inequities:
Debt Justice: The issue of unjust debt burdens on developing nations will be spotlighted, calling for reforms that prioritize debt relief and equitable financial practices.
Equitable Climate Finance: The summit will amplify discussions around the need for fair climate financing, advocating for policies that empower communities most affected by climate change.
Fair Taxation: By challenging the existing tax structures that favor the wealthy, We the 99 aims to demand an economic system where taxation is equitable and contributes to the public good.
- Economic Democracy: This theme centers on advocating for a democratic economy where the principles of justice and equity govern economic relations, ensuring that all voices are heard in decision-making processes.
These themes reflect the everyday struggles faced by individuals and communities who often remain unrepresented in elite discussions. The Summit seeks to reframe economic narratives and elevate the calls for justice and change that are typically sidelined.
Cultural Impact and Engagement
Adding a vibrant cultural layer to the summit, a lineup of prominent artists and creative personalities is set to perform. Artists such as iPhupho L’ka Biko, Buhlebendalo, Lebo Mashile, and Maglera Doe Boy are among those contributing to the cultural tapestry of the event. This artistic engagement emphasizes that economic dialogue is not confined to abstract discussions; it extends to cultural expressions that resonate deeply with communities.
Kearabetswe Moopelo, a Programme Officer at the New Economy Hub, articulates this sentiment eloquently: “Inequality can’t just be debated in conference halls. It needs to be challenged in the streets, sung on stages. This is what global solidarity sounds like.” The integration of art and activism will bring a sense of urgency and relevance to the discussions, inspiring collective action and mobilization.
Community and Global Solidarity
We the 99’s Summit is not merely an event; it symbolizes an uprising for justice and equality. It is a rallying point uniting diverse voices in a shared struggle for a better economic future. The emphasis on youth involvement is particularly poignant, as young people are increasingly recognized as critical agents of change in today’s socio-economic landscape.
The gathering promises to cultivate a spirit of solidarity, encouraging participants to engage with, and learn from, one another’s experiences. It aims to create a community of advocates who are not just present but are actively participating in reshaping economic policies to align with the needs and aspirations of the majority.
A Call to Action
We the 99 invites global citizens, activists, and concerned individuals to participate actively in this pivotal moment. The aim is to initiate a well-coordinated movement for economic justice that resonates beyond the confines of the summit itself. By mobilizing around the principles of justice, care, and inclusion, the event seeks to plant the seeds for sustained global action.
Tickets for the We the 99 Summit can be secured through its official channels, ensuring that those who feel passionately about these issues can be part of the conversation on economic justice.
Conclusion
The We the 99 Present Summit for Global Economic Justice presents a crucial opportunity for communities worldwide to reclaim their agency in discussions about the economy. By facilitating a space for dialogue, cultural expression, and activism, the summit aspires to rewrite the narrative surrounding global economic justice. In an age where voices are often drowned out by the powerful elite, this gathering is a call to reclaim the narrative—transforming economic discourse into a movement that prioritizes people over profit.
As the date approaches, staying engaged and informed becomes essential. The collective mobilization around We the 99 is not just a reflection of a moment; it’s an embodiment of a broader global ethos striving for a fairer, more just world. As we prepare for this transformative event, we are reminded that the future of the economy must be shaped by the diverse voices that make up the 99%.
