February 27th: Our lively audience of 55 were inspired by Nick Dearden, Director of Global Justice Now during Fairtrade fortnight. In addition to the role of Fairtrade in activating the public on issues of Just Trading in a capitalist world where corporate profit is emphasised above all, he gave examples from South America and Africa of where trade is used to exploit and dominate local populations, maintaining colonialism through financial control. He focused on Investor Dispute State System (ISDS) frequently written into trade contracts where corporates can sue governments (but not vice versa) for loss of profit through reasonable national legislation (such as pro-health), including potential profit. The wide and varied QA that followed showed a stimulating presentation.
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