Focus on the Global South
Encyclopedia
Focus on the Global South is an international, non-governmental organisation, based in Bangkok
, Thailand
since its creation in 1995.
Its founding director is sociologist Walden Bello
, and it is affiliated with the Social Research Institute of Chulalongkorn University
. Focus on the Global South combines policy research, advocacy, activism and grassroots capacity building in order to generate critical analysis and encourage debates on national and international policies. Its work is aimed to counteract corporate-led globalisation, neo-liberalism and militarisation. It works mainly in Thailand
, the Philippines
and India
.
Recently Focus has worked on the issue of climate justice
as part of Climate Justice Now!
Focus’s overall goals are to: dismantle oppressive economic and political structures and institutions; to create liberating structures and institutions; to promote demilitarisation and peace-building, instead of conflict. These three goals are brought together in the paradigm of deglobalisation. This term describes the transformation of the global economy from one centred around the needs of transnational corporations to one that focuses on the needs of people, communities and nations and in which the capacities of local and national economies are strengthened.
The deglobalisation paradigm forms the basis of Focus’s work which spans five thematic areas:Defending and Reclaiming the Commons; Trade; Peace and Peoples Security; Alternatives and China .
These thematic areas are complemented by country based programmes in India, the Philippines and Thailand. Teams made up of staff from each of the country offices are responsible for taking forward work on each thematic area.
Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital and largest urban area city in Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep , meaning "city of angels." The full name of Bangkok is Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom...
, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
since its creation in 1995.
Its founding director is sociologist Walden Bello
Walden Bello
Walden Bello is a Filipino author, academic, and political analyst. He is a professor of sociology and public administration at the University of the Philippines Diliman, as well as executive director of Focus on the Global South...
, and it is affiliated with the Social Research Institute of Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University
Chulalongkorn University is the oldest university in Thailand and is the country's highest ranked university. It now has nineteen faculties and institutes. Regarded as the best and most selective university in Thailand, it consistently attracts top students from around the country...
. Focus on the Global South combines policy research, advocacy, activism and grassroots capacity building in order to generate critical analysis and encourage debates on national and international policies. Its work is aimed to counteract corporate-led globalisation, neo-liberalism and militarisation. It works mainly in Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
, the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
and India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
.
Recently Focus has worked on the issue of climate justice
Climate justice
Climate Justice is generally used as a term for viewing climate change as an ethical issue and considering how its causes and effects relate to concepts of justice, particularly social justice and environmental justice. For example examining issues such as equality, human rights and historical...
as part of Climate Justice Now!
Climate Justice Now!
Climate Justice Now! is a global coalition of networks and organizations campaigning for climate justiceThe coalition was founded at the UNFCCC meeting in Bali, and has since mobilised for UNFCCC meetings in Bangkok, Copenhagen and Cancun.-Members:...
Focus’s overall goals are to: dismantle oppressive economic and political structures and institutions; to create liberating structures and institutions; to promote demilitarisation and peace-building, instead of conflict. These three goals are brought together in the paradigm of deglobalisation. This term describes the transformation of the global economy from one centred around the needs of transnational corporations to one that focuses on the needs of people, communities and nations and in which the capacities of local and national economies are strengthened.
The deglobalisation paradigm forms the basis of Focus’s work which spans five thematic areas:Defending and Reclaiming the Commons; Trade; Peace and Peoples Security; Alternatives and China .
These thematic areas are complemented by country based programmes in India, the Philippines and Thailand. Teams made up of staff from each of the country offices are responsible for taking forward work on each thematic area.