Social Watch Global Assembly in Manila

By Chiara Marie Trinidad 07/09/2011 

Vice President Jejomar Binay will be presenting a speech for the first day of Social Watch Global Assembly

Manila will be hosting Social Watch 2011 Global Assembly covering July 12 to 15. The event will be welcoming more than 100 delegates coming from 60 countries spanning that globe with Vice President Jejomar Binay attending and delivering a speech on the formal opening of the occasion. The event will also be graced by the presence of special guests, funders and observers coming from different parts of the globe.

On the second day of the event – July 13, Social Watch Philippines Leonor Briones, a professor of the University of the Philippines will be presenting a speech surrounding the main theme for the year.

Social Watch is an international organization promoting social justice. This year’s theme is “Claiming democracy: accountability for social and economic justice”. Social Watch expects to create plans and programs for the years 2012 to 2014 promoting their advocacy while at the same time assembling a new committee for its implementation.

Workshops regarding topics relevant to the theme would also be commenced, some of which would include: Social Justice, Anti Poverty and Redistribution Strategies, Climate Justice, Gender and Social Movements, Budget Issues and Budget Advocacy, Future for the Millennium Development Goals after 2015, Sustainable Development – The Road to Rio 2012, Migrations, Convention on Migrations and Convention Domestic Work and many more.

Social Watch was formed in 1995 with the ultimate goal of removing poverty, racism, discrimination and brings forth proper implementation of human rights. Social Watch Philippines was started two years later and was convened by Action for Economic Reforms, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and Accessing Support Services and Entrepreneurial Technology, Inc.

Starting with 27 CSO’s, the network now has increased to more than 100 in number with faithful reports annually sent to the Global Social Watch Report. Social Watch is associated with the United Nations Social Development Commission as every update is sent to their institution, citing social improvements in varying countries as well as the implementation of advocacies within the area.

The next global conference is expected for the year 2013.