... IPS: The WSF is a movement against the "kind of globalisation which is based only on the values of market and profit," in the words of WSF international committee member Roberto Savio. Do you feel vindicated by the global financial crisis?
Aye Aye Win: The financial crisis is a sad proof that globalisation based only on the values of the market is fundamentally flawed. You cannot endlessly go on speculating in the global casino. The bubble cannot endlessly grow. All of them eventually burst, leaving millions destitute, as is the case now. The reckless behaviour of the financiers, and the system that permits it, amount to a crime of unimaginable scale. What angers me in all this is that governments come galloping along to rescue the very financial institutions that have profiteered from the people and whose behaviour has led to the crisis! Having said this, it is also obvious that state intervention is necessary now that chaos has come ...
IPS: The WSF meets in January, when its 'rival', the WEF convenes in Davos. How far do you think the WSF has imposed issues on the WEF agenda?
AAW: Whilst the WSF is really the Mecca for the social activist, very little about the WSF is known outside this circle. On the other hand, the WEF, that enjoys not only access to but also control of the global media, is much better known to the broader public. Whilst recognising the efforts made by charismatic civil society leaders from the WSF to influence our issues at the WEF, I feel that the impact so far has been marginal. Therefore we need to sharpen our ideas and develop viable proposals. If our leaders need good ideas, let them come to us at the WSF, and not go dancing to the corporate tune at the WEF circus in Davos ...
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