News
During the week preceding the forthcoming Special Session of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the Draft Review of the Agreement on Agriculture, a
Hearing with WTO negotiators and an International Workshop
of non-governmental organizations, farmers' and church groups,
will be hosted by the Church Development Service (EED) on behalf of APRODEV, the World Council of Churches and the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, together with other organizations,
from Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 February
at the Ecumenical Centre, 150 Route de Ferney, Geneva,
The purpose of this event is to analyze the draft text of the WTO agreement related to several key development issues (food dumping, food security, rural development, market volatility, and the right to food) and to engage WTO negotiators in dialogue around alternatives. The aim is to rebalance the draft agreement in order to protect fundamental rights, end dumping and ensure differential treatment for developing countries. More than 100 delegates representing civil society from throughout the world will take part in the hearing and workshop.
The following activities will be open to the press:
Wednesday 19 February, 14:00-16:00
-
Welcome and opening session
- Iris Munguia, Banana Workers of Honduras
- Nettie Wiebe, National Farmers Union of Canada
- Arze Glipo, International Gender and Trade Network, Philippines.
Thursday 20 February, 09:30-16:00
-
Hearing with WTO negotiators
- Keeping dumped agricultural production out of the world markets
- Ensuring food security in the agreement
- Doha Development Round.
Monday 24 February, 11:00-12:00
-
Press conference at Palais des Nations, Press Room 2.