Binay speaker of Social Watch 2011 Global Assembly on Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Jejomar Binay will be the keynote speaker at the opening rites of the Social Watch 2011 Global Assembly on Tuesday (July 12) at the Sulo Riviera Hotel in Quezon City.

The Vice President will welcome the more than 100 delegates from over 60 countries representing various national coalitions that form part of the Social Watch international network of citizens’ organizations campaigning for social justice. These organizations include women groups, human rights activists, unionists, environmentalists and other campaigners.

A staunch human rights defender especially during the height of the Marcos dictatorship and a former student activist, Binay is expected to share his insights on the quest for social justice and equality, both in the Philippines and in the world.

Summit organizers and delegates have expressed hope the Vice President’s speech would deal with key issues involving governance which include assessment of the achievements of the government, especially after one year in office; identification of ongoing challenges and issues which the government faces, including issues that have an international dimension; and policy recommendations on the way forward.

“This will be the 5th Global Assembly of Social Watch, the last one was held in Ghana, South Africa in 2009. Social Watch Philippines is happy to host this big event and honored to have the Vice President in our opening rites. I look forward to hearing the Vice President’s insights on migration and protecting our OFW’s rights as this is definitely a niche he has carved in his first year as our VP,” said Jessica Reyes-Cantos, one of the convenors of Social Watch Philippines (SWP).

Prof. Leonor Magtolis Briones, SWP’s lead convenor, said “truly, the challenges for citizens’ groups and civil society organizations is so much greater. I think the Vice President’s international exposure can help us identify the key role that Social Watch can play in the fight against poverty and inequality, especially in the context of global economic and environmental crises.”

Social Watch’s three-day Global Assembly carries the theme “Claiming Democracy: Accountability for Social and Economic Justice.”

The summit participants are expected to ultimately come up with a Strategy Plan for 2012-2014, and elect a new Coordinating Committee in charge of implementing that strategy until the next Global Assembly in 2013.

Created in 1995, Social Watch is an international network of citizens’ organizations in the struggle to eradicate poverty and its causes, end all forms of discrimination and racism, and ensure an equitable distribution of wealth and the realization of human rights.