CORPORATE CAPTURE OF GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS ‘ THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE WEF AND UN FOOD  AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)

CORPORATE CAPTURE OF GLOBAL FOOD SYSTEMS ‘ THE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE WEF AND UN FOOD  AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO)

The Un / WEF Official Partnership was officially adopted 13th June 2019. With a Proviso to jointly  accelerate UN Agenda 2030 Global Goals across the world. (SDGs) Transforming Our Lives By 2030. Leaving No-one Behind- Everyone-Everywhere at Every Age. To collaborate Global Food Security * Transform Agri-food Systems. Resource Management * Digital Global Innovation * Public-Private Partnerships * Multistakeholder Capitalism

However there have been many critics that have raised multiple concerns primarily Civil Society Organizations about the Conflicts of Interests * The Influence of Private Corporation as whisperers in the ears of UN Agencies .This includes the Corporate Capture of the Global Food System and the UN FAO’s role in the Global Food Initiatives that include:-Strategic Partnerships with Corporations (a wide range of stakeholders) including UN Entities * Governments * Leaders of Civil Society and the Private Sector (The Mask they hide behind is (Eradicating Hunger- Poverty World Wide) Global Agenda 2030- SDG 1 and SDG2

The FAO (UN) works in a broader UN Framework in that of Food Security & Nutrition. Guiding Global, Regional and National efforts into Policy & Decision making. And encourages Multistake-holderism dialogue, developing common approaches to Global Food Systems. Supporting UN Member States to create coalitions of Public-Private Actors to foster Agri-food System Transformation. The deepening of institutional engagement as to Global Challenges such as Climate Change – Health – and the coined phrase ‘Sustainable Development

The WEF-UN Collaboration (Partnership) with the FAO (UN)..In 2022 they signed a Letter of Intent to facilitate the channeling of the Private Sector resources towards Transforming Agri-food Systems worldwide. The WEF launched the Food Innovation Hubs Global Initiative with FAO (UN) as the Collaborator. Leveraging Market Based Partnerships with Public-Private and Civil Society Partners to Scale Up Innovations

Critics have reported that the UNs growing collaboration with the WEF is a platform for Transnational Corporations that allows ‘Global Corporate Capture’ and a dialogue of  Global Decision Making. 240 Civil Society Organizations condemned the 2019 WEF-UN Partnership in an Open Letter stating that it ‘Delegitimizes the UN and weakens the role of UN Member States in Global Decision Making – Increasing the influence of corporations, promoting industrial, technological focused solution to Food Security which risks harming small scale farming practices, causing socio-economical problems. Favoring Corporate Interests over that of vulnerable populations-Threatening Human Rights.

Giving disproportionate power to Corporate Interests, undermining  the Democratic State Nature of the UN as it was originally set out to be. With the WEF & UN public-private relationship increasing investment in Agrifood systems, aborting traditional farming. Collaborating on Data & Digital conditions that produce WEF/UN Initiatives Eg: (One Map & the Future Market Place Playbook) With the FAO (UN) and WEF Co-publishing a White Paper titled ‘Transforming Food Systems for Country Led Innovation’

The WEF/FAO (UN) Food Summit and the Digital and Data Coalition. The WEF long standing relations with UN Agencies. The Alignment of Food Systems Transformation.  Inclusive Partnerships with common goals. The common goal of Transforming Global Food Systems. Providing Data and Stats crucial for informing Policy and Tracking Progress in the Transformation of Global Food Systems

Partnerships that are focused on attracting Investment for the Transformation of Global Food Systems, this includes how Food is Produced, Distributed and Consumed globally. The total destruction of the Free-market Enterprise Innovated Economy (The Freedom To Choose). Multistakeholder Capitalism Klaus Schwabs baby (600 Page Global Redesign Initiative 2010) Produced and adopted post the 2008-2009 World  Financial Recession. Adopted by Governments worldwide

Critics state that this approach shifts Economic Governance away from Competitive Markets towards a model of Self Appointed Group of Corporate and Political Elites. There are also many critics that view the annual DAVOS gatherings as an Undemocratic Opaque Governance Venue where powerful political and corporate leaders make decisions without accountability to the public they represent in UN Member Nation States thus diminishing National Sovereignty

Never let a Good Crisis Go To Waste. Large Corporate Interests that prioritize Conformity over Disruption. The WEF is accused of ‘Crony Capitalism’. Where Corporations use their influence to lobby for favorable regulations and protectionism through Legislations at the expense of a genuine Free-Market enterprising Innovative Economy. Corporations accused of Green Washing (ESG’s)

Initiatives such as the Great Reset proposed by the WEF, advocating for the restructuring of the Global Economy. The lack of Democratic Engagement within UN Member Nation States and Beyond -Globally that do not reflect the interests of UN Member State or Global Population interests but those of the Economical /Political Elite. The Stakeholder Capitalism model seeks to shift responsibility beyond shareholders to a broader group of stakeholders has been criticized as rebranding of the worlds economy. And the Erosion of National Sovereignty

The increasing influence of the WEF over UN Nation State policies and the erosion of National Sovereignty is not without serious concern. The WEF pushing for Global Governance Models that by-pass Nation State Legislatures without civil societies explicit consent. The WEF Global Digital Identification Systems, * Centralized Climate Policies * International Tax Frameworks all encroachments on Nation State Government and the voting public of the Sovereign Nation State. Decision making that cannot be challenged, hence the government is not held accountable by its voting  citizens

The WEF a strong powerful proponent of the Forth Industrial Revolution which encompasses Artificial Intelligence * Automation * Biotechnology being implemented even though populations worldwide have serious concerns about this push into a Technocratic Future of Controlling Forces of Compliancy. The WEF reporting its Vision ‘A Technology Driven Future that includes Mass Digital Surveillance which is being played out rapidly across the world eight now. AI Digital Identification Global Governance (Transforming Our Live by 2030. UN Agenda 2030 SDG 16.9 Everyone is to have a digital ID by 2030) Otherwise you wont be recognized as existing.

NZ participating in the WEF Pilot ‘Digital Regulations’. Without transparency. Did the Government share this information publicly? NO. Was there any public discussion- debate with  the population of NZ. No.  WEF mass digital surveillance, monitoring and a push for a ‘cashless society’. Digital Identity Systems. Government/Corporate surveillance restricting individual autonomy- freedoms- liberties. (Judith Collins Portfolio)

COVID 19 – The WEF played an increasing significant role in shaping Global Health Policies particularly during the COVID Pandemic. Collaborating with Organizations like the WHO (UN) and major Pharmaceutical companies (Big Pharma) to influence  Vax Policies, Digital Health Passes and Pandemic Preparedness Strategies. Concerns have been raised about the WEFs role in promoting policies that benefit Bif Pharma at the expense of transparency and Public Choice. The rapid push for vaccine mandates and Digital Health Passports seen by some as an over-reach prioritizing Corporate Interests over Individual Freedoms

The WEF and the UN have positioned themselves as a global force, with zilch accountability to National Sovereignty and the people whom vote political parties in. This empowers a small global powerful elite to shape the Global Future that do not align with the broader interests of Humanity. This is a global concentration of centralized power (Top Down and Bottom Up) that poses a huge risk to our personal- individual freedoms. Where Governments engage with the WEF /UN behind closed doors when they collaboration – plan to implement the Transforming Of Our Lives before 2030. (Leaving No-One Behind..Everyone..Everywhere.. At Every Age)

We No… What They Are Doing.. They Know- We know what they are Doing.. But they still keep on Doing it.. Yet there is a deafening Silence in the public Arena as the UN Member State Puppets implement ‘Transforming Our Lives By 2030’ Locking us into a Digital Prison. Industrial Corporate Global Food Systems and Smart City Surveillance-Monitoring-Facial Recognition.

WakeUpNZ.. RESEARCHER: Cassie

 

 

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MASSIVE COERCION: THE COVID PANDEMIC ‘COMMUNISM DOES NOT MODIFY THE TRUTH ‘IT OVER-THROWS IT’

Coercion is not the freedom to choose, it is threatening, influences the individual under pressure to do something they do not want to do, gives no alternatives (No alternative medicines) Coercion can affect ones mental, emotional, physical medical health spiritual wellbeing, make people feel disempowered, powerless

Ardern’s ‘Stay in your bubble’ Isolationism for the most vulnerable risks suicidal thoughts, suicide itself. Coercion can cause serious harm and even death. Classifying the COVID19 jabs as vaccines being a way of deliberately vilifying them, they are not vaccines. Coercion was legally morally justified b y the govt and their collaborators.

Doctors, medical professionals allowed themselves to be coerced hence violating the Medical Code of Practice “Firstly do no harm” The fragmentation of the doctor – patient relationship. Doctors whom refused to comply were punished removed from practicing medicine. The Marxist, Socialist Communistic ‘coercion’ of society embedded in the Communistic Manifesto

Marxism believes that medical doctors, medical professionals hide the real causes of illness by focusing on the individual and their medical symptoms. Thus Pandemics through a Marxist lens.

Coercion being extremely evident during the COVID19 mandates, restrictions. Individuals giving up their individual rights for the collective- common good for all. The ‘private ownership of your body’ where ones personal freedom to choose as to what to consume was influenced by mandatory forms of indoctrination, manipulation, blackmail, coercion.

No Jab-No Job. No Jab-No visit elderly relatives. No Jab as Ardern announced “If you want to go enjoy your summer holiday- to nightclubs, restaurants, musical – sporting events etc., you must get your jab. (In other words “If you don’t you want enjoy yourself as you usually do with family and friends whom are very important to you) Coercion.

Giving up Individual Rights with no alternatives. Individualism kicked to the gutter for collectivist Marxist, Socialist Communism . Destroying businesses, the loss of jobs (Communist Manifesto) Abolishing the fruits of ones own labour’. The  ‘UNITE AGAINGST COVID’ signage, billboards, advertising, propaganda on mainstream media.

Much like the Socialist political slogan ‘Workers United’ which is the rallying cry within the Communist Manifesto (Karl Marx  & Friedrich Engels1848).  Literally ‘Proleterians Of All Countries UNITE,  becoming popularized in English, became the  ‘Workers of the World Unite’  2020 ‘UNITE AGAINST COVID’.

Ardern, the govt the ‘only source of the truth’. Socialism, communism does no seek to tell or to  modify the truth, but overthrows the truth. Communism abolishes external truths, Christianity, Morality, Family. Like Nazi Germany National Socialism the propaganda machine suppressed the people by censorship. Propaganda to control the opposition

Censorship and the abridgement of ‘freedom of speech’ has been very evidential. Control ideology, to control thoughts and actions, the COVID19 Thought Police- Disinformation, misinformation initiative. Restricting ‘free speech’ The Communist Manifesto abolishing individual freedoms and rights.

Karl Marx statement 1875 refers to the ‘Essence of Force and Coercion’. A State centered transition between ‘Capitalism and Communism which is of course Socialism (The Communistic  society) A brutal oppression that leads to ‘economic stagnation’.

Out of COVID Pandemic emerged the toxicity of revolutionary minority groups demanding their individual rights over the majority of the population, also centered on collectivism,  coercion, identity politics, critical theory, critical race theory. Individuals giving up their individual rights by stealth, ideology with Marxist roots

The irresistible revolution, Marxism’s goal of conquest- a ‘neo-Marxist agenda. Namely DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) programs that have become massively embedded throughout businesses, industries, NGO’s, Govt, Academia, Universities, Military, Police. Costing each entity that adopts DEI  Certification $12,000 per year for Assessments which are ongoing from year to year at $12,000 annually for the embedded DEI Rainbow Tick. (Again a Marxist Agenda)

The Rainbow Tick  Certification of the Workplace is owned, belongs to Te Whatua  Ora Te Toka Tumai.- Ngati Whatua.  Again two classes of people, businesses– those with the Rainbow Tick and those without-Identity Politics. Just like the Pandemic Mandatory Jans- classified two classes of peoples Jabbed and Un-jabbed.

Advancing Social Justice through Diversity Equity, Inclusion. Collectivism.. Cancel Culture. Identity Political, Critical Theories, Critical Race Theories. The Equity delusion with its Marxist Roots. DEI Diversity Equity Inclusion rehashing Communism’s slogan . Diversity and Inclusion 2 sides of the same coin.

Diversity is the goal, inclusion policies exist to make diversity happen. Diversity demands conformity and inclusion, delivers the necessary conformity by exclusion. Does this remind you of the Marxist Socialist Communist coercion that was implemented in the mandating of COVID19 Jabs.? The weaponization for collectivist rewards and punishments.  Equity is a failed delusion, does not have a desired outcome. Marxism understands this, state sponsored confiscations again the Communist Manifesto.

Communism does not seek to modify truth, but to overthrow it. But Communism abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes all religion, and all morality. Marx 1875 statement is the essence of force and coercion , the state centered transition phase between capitalism and communism which is of course ‘socialism’, the communistic society. Leads to Economic stagnation. This is what we see worldwide.

Researcher: Carol Sakey

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NEW ZEALAND MILITARY AND ITS RAINBOW LGBTQ1 ++++ AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. (DEI A VERY DANGEROUS SLIPPERY SLOPE)

OFFICIAL INFORMATION ACT 1982- REQUEST TO THE NZ DEFENCE FORCE – WELLINGTON OIA 2023-4687 24th April 2023 Reference: Accreditation as a Rainbow Tick Employer. What are the costs involved in maintaining this certification. What are the upfront costs for becoming Rainbow Tick accredited

NEW ZEALAND MILITARY AND ITS RAINBOW LGBTQ1 ++++ AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. (DEI A VERY DANGEROUS CLIPPERY SLOPE)

New Zealand Defence Force is Rainbow tick certified.. For the 2018/19 financial year, the programme fee was $10, 000. Subsequently, the fee has been $12,000 per annum and has been paid to 30 June 2023. The contract was renewed for one year in 2022 for one year to 30 June 2023 under the same conditions . NZ Defence Force took out the Top Spot Award at the Rainbow Excellence Awards for continuous progress in relation to the inclusion of Rainbow Communities. The Defence Force was also reaccredited the Rainbow Tick, rolled out training workshops with Pride Pledge, and supported the Big Gay Out event. The Military steps up for the LBBTQ + Community  (Human Resources Director. Ref Diversity Inclusion) 7th July 2023.

A  Deloitte report stated in 2023 that the NZ Defence Force is prioritizing LGBTQ1+ Inclusiveness and Diversity. In 2013 the NZ Defence Force at the Hague Centre were reported to be the most ‘Inclusive’ military in the world. NZ Defence Force started working for the LGBTQ community in 2009. They established an LGBTQ1+ Group which quickly gained traction, this expanded to the Navy, Army and NZFF Civilian workforce. In 2012 the ‘Overwatch Network’ was formed establishing support for LGBTQ+ community within the NZDF.  Marching in Pride Marches since 2013. Gaining the Rainbow Tick in 2019 completing the Diversity and Inclusion Assessment process. Then they won the Rainbow Inclusion Awards in 2021. The NZ Defence Force published a comprehensive 33 Page Document referring to NZDF support of the Rainbow community.

NOTE: As a researcher I personally believe that Diversity Equity Inclusion DEI is a very dangerous slippery slope that is massively embedded in NZ Industries, Military, Local and Central Govts, NGO’s, Schools, Universities. This is where the ‘demon -cancel culture lives’

Rainbow Tick helps boost DEI efforts

NZDF gained the Rainbow Tick in 2019 — a certification mark for organization’s that complete a Diversity & Inclusion assessment process

NZDF then published a comprehensive 33-page document that touched on every level of the organization and outlined what each person could do to support rainbow inclusion – from leadership to the newest recruit walking through the gate – and the force’s work won them a gong at the Rainbow Inclusion Awards in 2021.

28TH APRIL 2023 -REQUEST: TAXPAYERS.. TO OIA

I refer to your email of 4 April 2023 requesting, under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA), information about New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) accreditation as a Rainbow Tick employer.

This is a request for official information under the Official Information Act 1982 relating to accreditations that the force has received. We request information that answers the following questions: -How long has the force been affiliated with or accredited as a ‘Rainbow Tick’ employer? –

What are the costs that are involved with maintaining this certification? – What were the upfront costs for becoming accredited? – Please provide copy of any contracts signed any other applicable conditions or criteria your agency must abide by as part of accreditation. The NZDF has held Rainbow Tick accreditation since 2019. There were no ‘up-front’ costs to join the Rainbow Tick programme. For the 2018/19 financial year, the programme fee was $10, 000. Subsequently, the fee has been $12,000 per annum and has been paid to 30 June 2023. Enclosed is a copy of the agreement between Rainbow Tick and the NZDF that was signed in November 2020. Redactions have been made in accordance with section 9(2)(a) ofthe OIA to protect the privacy of individuals. The contract was renewed for one year in 2022 for one year to 30 June 2023 under the same conditions. You have the right, under section 28(3) of the OIA, to ask an Ombudsman to review this response to your request. Information about how to make a complaint is available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602. Responses to official information requests are proactively released where possible. This response to your request will be published shortly on the NZDF website, with your personal information removed . Yours sincerely AJ WOODS Air Commodore Chief of Staff HQNZDF Enclosure:-

  1. Signed agreement between Rainbow Tick and NZDF, November 2020 Released under the Official Information Act 1982 RAINBOW TICK TRAINING AND EVALUATION AGREEMENT 1. Main Terms of Agreement Our name and address: Your name and address: RAINBOW TICK j Kahui Tu Kaha Limited Level 1, 650 Great South Road, Greenlane, Auckland PO Box 74270, Greenlane 1051 New Zealand Defence Force Defence House 34 Bowen St Thorndon Wellington Rainbow Tick Programme: Two Year Prgoramme FTE Number —,. ……….. thla .. . .. I Commencement Date: I July 12019 I Completion Date: \ ) I Programme Fee: Our representative: Client Representative
  2. Definitions I July 12021 I Per annum $ 12,000 (+GST) Julie Watson Programme Manager Rainbow Tick Mobile: s.9(2}{i}l Name: Dean Pascoe Email: Ph: Phone: [5.9(2)\i)-. —————–2.1 In this Agreement, except where stated otherwise, the following words shall have the following meanings: (a) Client Representative means the person appointed by you as your principal point of contact w ith authority to give us instructi 9. Intellectual Property Ownership ~–~——–~~———————

9.1 You: 9.1.1 Acknowledge that we are the owner of the Intellectual Property and nothing in this Agreement shall transfer ownership to you; 9.1.2 Shall not during this Agreement or at any future time register or use any of the Intellectual Property in your own name as proprietor; 9.1.

3 Recognize our title to the Intellectual Property and shall not claim any right, title or interest in the Intellectual Property or any part of it except where granted by this Agreement. 9.2 The Rainbow Resources are provided to you in order to assist you to create a workplace that is a safe and inclusive place for people of diverse gender identity and sexual orientation. You shall use the Rainbow Resources only for the purposes for which they were provided and not provide, directly or indirectly, the Rainbow Resources to any third party except with our prior written consent. 9.3 Upon being awarded Rainbow Tick Certification in accordance with clauses 5.2 and 5.

4 we will grant you a royalty free licence to use the Rainbow Tick in the following manner: 9.3.1 In conjunction with any job advertising carried out by you; 9.3.2 As part of any organizational or business promotion intended to promote your workplace as a safe and inclusive place for people of diverse gender identity and sexual orientation. 9.4 Your use of the Rainbow Tick is subject to the following conditions: 9.4.1 The Rainbow Tick shall not be adapted or modified except with our consent; 9.4.2 You agree to cease using the Rainbow Tick for any particular purpose where we consider in our so le discretion that the use of the Rainbow Tick is inappropriate or brings the Rainbow Tick into disrepute; 9.4.3 You shall not assign the benefit of Rainbow Tick Certification or grant any sub-licenses except with our express written consent; 9.4.4 You shall immediately cease using the Rainbow Tick upon the expiration of the licence granted under clause 5.2. 9.

5 Upon completion of a Rainbow Tick Evaluation Report and payment of the Programme Fee, we agree to transfer the copyright in that report to you subject to your agreement to permit us to use the data comprised in the Rainbow Tick Evaluation Report for research, analysis, and marketing purposes providing that we do not identify any individuals or you in such research, analysis, or marketing except with your express consent. Released under the Official Information Act 1982

10.1 This Agreement and any discussions leading to the execution of this Agreement shall remain confidential between us.

10.2 We acknowledge that you are a commercial concern. Except as required by law, we will treat as confidential all information which comes into our possession pursuant to or as a result of, or in the of this whether such information relates to your internal policies or otherwise, we will not, without your prior written permission, disclose any such information.

10.3 If we collect personal information about people employed by you, we will collect and hold that information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1993.

11.1 No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall in any event be of any effect, unless it is in writing, signed by both of us or, in the case of a waiver, by the party giving it.

12.1 This Agreement comprises the entire agreement between us; it supersedes any previous agreements and negotiations relating to your provision of services to us, and no other terms and conditions, express or implied, shall form part of the Agreement. 1

3.1 You may not sell, transfer, assign or sub-contract all or any part of your interests or obligations under this Agreement.

14.1 We acknowledge our intention that all questions or differences which may arise between us concerning this Agreement, its subject matter or interpretation, will be resolved amicably by negotiation

. 14.2 Where any question or difference is not resolved, either of us may require the dispute to be referred to mediation by giving notice to the other party setting out the nature of the mediation. Released under the Official Information Act 1982

14.3 We shall agree on the appointment of a mediator, but in the absence of agreement a mediator shall be appointed by AMINZ.

14.4 The costs of the mediation other than the parties’ legal costs will be borne equally by the parties, who w ill be jointly and severally liable to the mediator in respect of the mediator’s fees. 1

5.Reputation

15.1 Neither party shall at any time take any steps to bring the reputation or good standing of the other party to this Agreement into disrepute. SIGNED BY: Barbara Browne {CEO) On behalf of Kahui Tli Kaha Limited s. )( ) Date: ( {1/ z.o SIGNED BY: Dean Pascoe On behalf of New Zealand Defence Force s.9(2)(a) Date: /7 V

https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/assets/Uploads/DocumentLibrary/OIA-2023-4687-Rainbow-Tick.pdfhttps://www.nzdf.mil.nz/media-centre/news/new-zealand-defence-force-takes-out-top-spot-at-rainbow-excellence-awards/https://www.hcamag.com/nz/specialisation/diversity-inclusion/military-steps-up-for-lgbtq-community/451834

 

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THE HORRORS OF LAKE ALICE

This is abhorrent, how harshly these survivors of Mount Alice have been so unjustly treated. The evidence of these horrific events on the 1970’s at Lake Alice have clear evidence, where children and teens were severely punished, tortured. 24/6/ 2023 RNZ reported how survivors are  angered some of these survivors are that not one person whom committed these inhumane notorious  crimes against children has ever been convicted. The High Court ordered a halt to court proceedings against a former charge nurse of Lake Alice Hospital, the only staff member to face prosecution, 91 year old Dempsey Corkran.

THE HORRORS OF LAKE ALICE ‘ THE TORTURE OF CHILDEN IN NZ NO CRIMINIAL  CHARGES  WERE EVER LAID AGAINST THESE EVIL OFFENDERS

Survivors have needed professional services for rehabilitation, having unresolved mental health, emotional, physical and medical issues, health problems. Many struggling with personal and family relationships. They have been revictimized over the years through State agencies themselves. Some even living in cars and temporary accommodation. The Crown had worn down lawyers and only paid survivors a fraction. Even some ACC applications were refused

 

As Paul Zentveld stated “the government have an obligation to pay these survivors compensation for their sufferance under State care at Lake Alice Psych Unit for Children and Adolescents. Majority of these children had no mental health issue, but were reported have  behavioral issues. New Zealand signed the UN Torture Convention in 1947 therefore the survivors of Lake Alice must be given all the help they need.  The State have seriously, severely unjustly revictimized an retraumatized many of these survivors, have not judicially acknowledge that those that committed these crimes have been criminalized in a NZ Court of law

 

Please share this far and wide. What I heard and saw at the Lake Alice Exhibition was heart wrenching. As I followed up with much research I was even more appalled and horrified the way these children, adolescents were severely abused and tortured.

RESEARCHER: Carol Sakey

WakeUpNZ.

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How the United Nations is quietly being turned into a public-private partnership

A new agreement with the World Economic Forum gives multinational corporations influence over matters of global governance.

Harris Gleckman

Anew corporate and government marriage quietly took place last week when the leadership of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations (UN) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to partner with each other. While this MOU is proudly displayed on the WEF website, it is nowhere to be found on the UN website. The only indication on the UN website of this important new development is a picture of the pen used to sign the agreement, and two pictures of the signing ceremony.

One reason for this difference is that the UN’s corporate-centered Global Compact has received a good deal of bad press. Now the new WEF-UN agreement creates a second special place for multinational corporations inside the UN. There is no similar institutional homes in the UN system for civil society, for academics, for religious leaders, or for youth. It is hard to imagine a national government signing a similar formal partnership with one of its business organizations.

At the same time, the UN is under pressure from Donald Trump who wants to deconstruct the whole multilateral system. For Trump, dismantling the international system built after World War II is a companion piece to his domestic effort at deconstructing the administrative state. For the Secretary-General of the UN, the pact with the WEF may well be his effort to find new power actors who can support the current system, which is now celebrating its 75th anniversary, in the face of Trump’s onslaught.

On the other side, the WEF recently received significant public criticism after giving Hungarian Prime Minister Orban and Brazilian President Bolsonaro a warm welcome at its 2019 Davos gathering. This marriage may be seen as a way for the WEF to re-establish itself as part of the global governance center.

The timing and managing of public perceptions are not the only interesting aspect of this arrangement. In 2009, the WEF published a 600 page report entitled the Global Redesign Initiative, which called for a new system of global governing, one in which the decisions of governments could be made secondary to multistakeholder led initiatives in which corporations would play a defining role. In a sense this WEF study recommended a sort of public-private United “Nations” – something that has now been formalized in this MOU. The agreement announces new multistakeholder partnerships to deliver public goods in the fields of education, women, financing, climate change, and health.

The rather detailed MOU includes forms of cross organizational engagement up and down the UN structure. The MOU contains commitments that the Secretary-General himself will be invited to deliver a keynote address at the WEF annual Davos gatherings. His senior staff and the heads of the UN programmes, funds, and agencies will also be invited to participate in regional level meetings hosted by the WEF. It also contains a promise that the UN’s individual country representatives will explore ways to work with WEF’s national Forum Hubs. Aware of the mutual importance of public legitimacy each institution can provide for the other, the MOU also contains an agreement to cross-publicize their joint activities.

Besides the institutional blessing of the United Nations, what does the WEF get from the MOU? The scope of each of the five fields for joint attention is narrowed down from the intergovernmentally negotiated and agreed set of goals to one with more in line with the business interests of WEF members. So under financing, the MOU calls only for ‘build[ing] a shared understanding of sustainable investing’ but not for reducing banking induced instabilities and tax avoidance.

Under climate change, it calls for ‘ …public commitments from the private sector to reach carbon neutrality by 2050’, not actions that result in carbon neutrality by 2030 . Under education, it re-defines the Sustainable Development education goal to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education’ into one that focuses on education to meet the ‘rapidly changing world of work.’ The MOU explicitly restricts the WEF from making financial contributions to the UN, which might have ameliorated the economic impact of some of Trump’s threat to the budgets of the UN system. At the same time, it avoids any commitment to reduce global inequality, to make energy affordable, to hold multinational corporations accountable for human rights violations, or even to rein in the behavior of the WEF’s firms that act inconsistently to the re-defined goals set out in the agreement.

All this joint work might have some practical good if it were not for three crucial elements: firstly, the agreement circumvents the intergovernmental review process; secondly, the agreement elevates multistakeholderism as the solution to the problems with the current multilateral system; and thirdly the proposed multistakeholder partnerships are not governed by any formal democratic system. Were the Secretary-General convinced of the wisdom of a UN marriage with the WEF, he could have submitted the draft MOU for approval by the member states. Instead, the Secretary-General joined the WEF in declaring in effect that multistakeholder groups without any formal intergovernmental oversight are a better governance system than a one-country-one-vote system.

All multistakeholder governance groups are largely composed of a self-selected group of multinational corporations and those organizations and individuals that they want to work with. They work without any common internal rule book to protect the views of all who might be impacted by the group. Participation in multistakeholder group is a voluntary undertaking. The drop-in-drop-out arrangements are antithetical to the UN’s efforts for 75 years to build a stable secure global governance system with a clear understanding of obligations, responsibilities and liabilities.

What is surprising is that by accepting this marriage arrangement with the WEF, the Secretary-General of the UN is marginalizing the intergovernmental system in order to ‘save’ it.

Open Democracy 2nd July 2019

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/oureconomy/how-united-nations-quietly-being-turned-public-private-partnership/?source=in-article-related-story

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