NGOs to step up monitoring of World Economic Forum

Non-governmental organisations in Switzerland have launched a new project designed to keep a watchfull eye on global economic issues. The new idea was made public at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos.

Non-governmental organisations in Switzerland have launched a new project designed to keep a watchfull eye on global economic issues. The new idea was made public at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos.

Organisations such as the Berne Declaration, Pro Natura and others launched the project “The Public Eye on Davos” at a news conference on the fringes of the Forum’s summit.

The aim was to alter the role and rules of the Forum, officials said. They said the World Economic Forum was admitedly a private organisation but had an enormous impact on world trade, financial policy and environmental issues. Despite this, none of the civil groups affected by such decisions were represented in Davos, they said.

The NGOs called on the Forum organisers to open their doors to the criticism and information that non-governmental organisations and other groups could provide. Global business issues could no longer be decided behind closed doors, they said.

The Berne Delaration said its demands were supported by 150 organisations in 39 countries.

The Forum had to be more open to discuss wider issues and be accessible to all sectors of society, the NGO officials added.

From staff and wire reports