----Original Message-----From: Media [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2001 1:40 PM
To: john.armitage
Subject: OneWorld launches net bid to put global issues on UK election
agenda
OneWorld, the network for global justice, has brought over 25 leading UK
non-government organisations (NGOs) together online as part of national
campaign for all-party action on global policies. A website produced for the
Global View 2001 alliance < www.oneworld.net/uk/election
<http://www.oneworld.net/uk/election> > aims to use the internet to raise
the profile of international issues in the run up to the UK election on 7
June.
The Global View 2001 website includes a virtual ballot where the British
public can add their vote to tell politicians they care about how decisions
affecting the lives of poor people around the world. Virtual voters are
sending emails to friends and colleagues as part of the 'viral marketing'
effort to spread the Global View 2001 message. Visitors to the website can
also download campaign resources like posters for 'uploading' in their home
windows and elsewhere. The site has suggested actions for the public to
ensure all parties commit to policies that reduce world poverty and promote
human rights.
Global View 2001 has over four million supporters - more than three times
the membership of the main political parties. The alliance has drawn up a
manifesto to urge parliamentary representatives to commit to a range of
political policies, from debt relief and increased aid to tighter arms
controls.
Governments of rich nations in the West have an extraordinary influence on
the international stage. Yet, when a national election is called, this fact
is not reflected in public debate. The political focus narrows to the
domestic agenda such as taxes, education, crime and health.
"World poverty, aid, debt, the negative affects of globalisation and other
crucial issues have become sidelined as the political and media
establishment promote their view of the limits of citizen concern," says
Lisa Sykes, OneWorld UK Editor. "Global View 2001 recognises the importance
of domestic issues. However, the agenda needs to be broadened. The internet
is a vital tool to help give a voice to the genuine concern British people
have for international matters."
A recent public opinion poll for Global View 2001 has revealed that
international issues are not as marginal as politicians think. Young people
especially would be more prepared to vote if politicians addressed global
issues like climate change.
The Global View 2001 website forms part of the UK edition of
www.oneworld.net <http://www.oneworld.net> , the world's leading portal on
human rights and sustainable development.
For information and interviews with a Global View 2001 spokesperson contact
Julia Tilford in Oxfam's Media Unit on 01865 312466 or email
mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> .
Press enquiries on OneWorld, the internet and Global View 2001 contact Glen
Tarman, OneWorld publicity manager on +44 (0)20 7735 2100 or email
mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> .
Notes:
1. Global View 2001 is a campaign for all-party action supported by:
ActionAid, The Bodyshop, Cafod, Christian Aid, CIIR, Comic Relief, Drop the
Debt, International Alert, ITDG, Landmine Action, Mothers' Union, One World
Action, Oxfam, People & Planet, Saferworld, Save the Children, Skillshare
International, Tearfund, UNICEF, URC, USPG, VSO, War on Want, WOMANKIND
Worldwide, World Development Movement, World Vision and WWF.
2. OneWorld is a non-profit network that aims to harness the democratic
potential of the Internet to promote sustainable development and human
rights. Its website www.oneworld.net <http://www.oneworld.net> is the
world's leading portal on global issues and a gateway to over 900 partner
NGOs worldwide. The OneWorld UK centre has over 200 leading charities, NGOs
and campaign groups as partner organisations. Visit www.oneworld.net/uk
<http://www.oneworld.net/uk> for all the latest news, views and events on
global issues from a UK perspective.
3. For details of the Global View 2001 public opinion poll see
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/whatnew/press/globalview.htm
<http://www.oxfam.org.uk/whatnew/press/globalview.htm> .
ENDS
************************************************************************************
Distributed through Cyber-Society-Live [CSL]: CSL is a moderated discussion
list made up of people who are interested in the interdisciplinary academic
study of Cyber Society in all its manifestations.To join the list please visit:
http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/cyber-society-live.html
*************************************************************************************
|