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2009 Annual Meeting Beyond Poverty:
From Greed to Green
Creating a Sustainable Future for the Planet An exploration of systems that will foster a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice and a culture of peace.
April 24-26, 2009
The current financial crisis can be a catalyst for a more just economic system, if we insist on policy changes that focus on promoting the common good of people and the environment, not the creation of profits for a few. That was the message of noted economist David Korten, the keynote speaker at the Partnership for Global Justice Annual Meeting, April 24-26. Dr. Korten was honored with the Partnership’s Sixth Annual Justice Award for his work in promoting a more just and equitable way of living on the Earth. The Partnership, a non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations, is engaged in promoting justice through educational programs, advocacy and participation with the United Nations.
The Annual Meeting included an all-day session co-sponsored with the Sisters of St. Joseph at River’s Edge in Cleveland. More than 130 people attended the meeting, at which Dr. Korten developed his vision of a sustainable and equitable economy. Until we change the stories on which systems and practice are built, he said, we will perpetuate the unjust practices that created the current crises of the financial industries, with the attendant loss of jobs, collapse of the housing market and disruption of communities. One concrete example he called for was a new measure of our economic progress. Instead of using the growth of profits for the few, as the Gross National Product and Market index reports do currently, we must begin to measure our economic well-being by noting the state of those things we value most -- things like healthy children and families, a vital Earth, and vibrant local communities.
The Annual Meeting also included a panel of experts on contemporary issues relating to economics and poverty. Margaret Galiardi, OP, reflected on the definition of sustainability, pointing out that it demands “a radical shift of consciousness that brings people, planet and the economy together to create a new future.” Ana Martinez de Luco, CCV, exhorted the gathering to consider our own over-consumption and called on us to return to our original commitment to solidarity with the poor and simplicity for the sake of the Gospel. In this way we will challenge the systems that reduce large numbers of people to poverty. Amata Miller, PhD, IHM, examined how the legacy of Western domination and industrial development has led to dire poverty in developing countries. She explored the links between the arms race and violence, environmental devastation, and poverty, and pointed out that only lack of political will keeps the world from eliminating poverty. Participants shared insights and practical experiences with each other, Dr. Korten and the panel, and explored ways they could draw their communities into building a new, sustainable, and just economy.
Panelists Amata Miller, IHM, Ph.D; Maragret Galiardi, OP and Ana Martinez de Luco, CCV.
Members of the Partnership were joined by supporters of River's Edge in Cleveland.
David Korten addresses PGJ Annual Meeting
Closing Prayer brought the group outdoors to sing and pray.
2010 Annual Meeting Information