Globalization Essays (1328 words) - Disaster Preparedness

Globalization What are the function and problems within the globalization process? Globalization creates new challenges and opportunities for those people who are of greatest concern to the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - that is, the Disadvantaged. The humanitarian players - that is, the UN system and its organisations, the Red Cross Red Crescent, NGOs - have several roles to play in relation to globalization. We should monitor the impact of globalization and help governments to strengthen safety nets and provide basic social services. We must reinforce our efforts to address the needs of vulnerable people and we must adapt our methods of assistance and do all we can to prevent additional, or new, groups from becoming vulnerable. We need a stronger commitment to co-operation and co-ordination among ourselves, with governments and local civil society. We must also contribute to the global policy agenda to ensure that globalisation moves in the right direction and supports efforts to reduce poverty and vulnerability. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is particularly well-placed to support this endeavour through its network of 176 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies who are in a special position to inform their governments as to the needs of vulnerable people. This morning, I would like us - participants, fellow panellists - to examine together how globalization can reduce vulnerability. We need to ask ourselves some key questions. Firstly: How can we ensure participation in the globalization process? It is true that globalization can enable poorer countries to participate more effectively in the multilateral trading system. However, it is not true that these opportunities are within the reach of all countries. In fact, only a handful of developing countries are really in a position to participate in the process and benefit from the new opportunities. 12 developing countries account for some 70% of exports from the developing world and they receive more than 90% of the investment flowing from developed to developing countries. These countries are mainly located in Latin America and Asia - none of them in Africa. There is a real risk of exclusion and further marginalization of countries and people. This is cause for real concern within the humanitarian agencies and this particular topic will be addressed at the forthcoming UN Conference on Least Developed Countries to be held in Brussels next month. Humanitarian players need to to advocate forcefully in favour of inclusion for these least developed countries. The International Federation believes that more countries can take advantage of globalization if the international trading system is based on equitable trade rules, transparency and reduced trade barriers. The new WTO Round planned to start later this year will address the further development of the international trade regime. I do hope it earns its nickname - the development round. It is vital that all countries have a say in setting the agenda for the new Round and its implementation. The poorer countries should seize that opportunity to influence the terms of international trade. And we must be ready to facilitate their participation, to enable them to make necessary adaptations and take advantage of new trade opportunities.We need to place increased emphasis on capacity building and the transfer of know-how to poorer countries. It is not only the countries which need better access. Vulnerable people need a stronger voice within the international system in order to make their concerns heard by governments and the institutions that manage the multilateral economic system. Over the last years, we have often seen vulnerable people and their advocates show their resistance to economic globalisation. This debate is legitimate but our objective should be to get it off the streets and into the boardrooms and assembly halls where it belongs. Civil society should be included more consistently in the globalization processes. Humanitarian Agencies can - and should - contribute to the strengthening of local civil society. For the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement the strengthening of local capacities and local civil society is a necessary and important feature of our operations. Here is another question which I would like us to examine together: How can we encourage a better balance between economic growth and social progress? Increased export income does not necessarily improve the situation of vulnerable people. The distribution of new wealth and opportunities is often less then equitable, and can create new vulnerability and exclusion. We need to seek an improved balance between economic efficiency and economic equity. I am glad that global consensus has