Peoples' Global Conference Against IMF and World Bank - Summary

Overview

Title: Peoples' Global Conference Against the International Monitary Fund and World Bank
Date: October 8-14, 2018
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Organizers: 40 Indonesian and international peoples’ movements and civil society organizations
Theme: "Reclaim our Rights and Future: Fight the Corporate Takeover of Development!"
Participants: About 450 delegates, supporters, and observers from 93 organizations across 18 countries【oaicite:10】.

Objectives

Expose international financial institutions as tools for imperialist domination.
Develop strategies to resist the corporatization of development.
Strengthen solidarity among activists and allies globally【oaicite:9】.

Key Messages

The IMF and World Bank have intensified attacks against oppressed people worldwide, promoting neoliberal policies detrimental to working people【oaicite:8】.
These institutions have been instrumental in facilitating neoliberal restructuring, leading to increased control over countries like Indonesia【oaicite:7】.
There's a strong need to challenge their deceitful brand of sustainable development, which in reality furthers corporate interests and exploitation【oaicite:6】.

Challenges Faced

The conference faced significant repression and attempts to derail it by the Indonesian government【oaicite:5】.
The police initially lifted but later reinstated a ban on the conference, citing permit issues【oaicite:4】.
Despite these challenges, the conference successfully convened, highlighting the importance of collective action and solidarity【oaicite:3】.

Declaration

Title: “Shut down the IMF-World Bank Not the Peoples’ Dissent! Fight for Peoples’ Right to Development!”
Critique: The declaration condemned the IMF-WBG as undemocratic institutions responsible for economic and natural resource pillage worldwide【oaicite:2】.
It opposed the "Maximizing Finance for Development" approach, seen as a new wave of neoliberal privatization【oaicite:1】.

Future Directions

Continuation of exposing and opposing IMF-World Bank's destructive projects and policies.
Building a strong movement to challenge their legitimacy in all arenas of struggle.
Advocating for alternative development models based on people's rights, sovereignty, and collective economic power【oaicite:0】.

Conclusion

The conference marked a significant milestone in global civil society's resistance to the corporatization of development by the IMF and World Bank, emphasizing the need for continued activism and solidarity.