The so-called free trade is intended to increase prosperity and growth worldwide – at least we hear this again and again from European politicians, neoliberal economists and the media. Trade agreements are presented as having no alternative, ‘partnerships on an equal footing’ being praised in response to global crises. But from whose perspectives are we talking? From the countries of the Global South, from Africa, Asia and Latin America, we hear in Europe, if at all, mostly only the voices of the governments. On the other hand, representatives from academia, trade unions, peasant agriculture, indigenous movements or organisations that stand up for fair global trade are hardly heard. This online learning course wants to change that.
Building on an online learning course already conducted in Latin America, participants will have the opportunity to learn about a Latin American perspective on the free trade agenda and the associated trade agreements of the last 25-30 years in five modules. What impact did these have on working conditions and social human rights such as access to drinking water, energy and food in Latin America? What did the agreements mean for food security and industrial capacity building? What conclusions do you draw after more than 25 years and could it be different from your point of view?
The course is suitable for both thematic newcomers and people with previous knowledge who want to deepen their knowledge and look at it under a different light. In addition, this learning course offers valuable information in the sense of Education for Sustainable Development (SDO) the United Nations (UNESCO Programme GNI 2030 to achieve the objectives of the 2030 Agenda). In case of successful participation (80% participation), the participants will receive a Certificate of participation. Participation is free of charge.
A cooperation between PowerShift and the educational center Lohana Berkins, with the support of ATTAC Germany, AndersHandeln Austria, CLATE, Network Just World Trade, News Pool Latin America and the Plataforma América Latina Mejor sin TLC.
How does the course work?
Within five weeks (between 3.11. and 7.12.) and within the framework of five modules, the participants develop knowledge on the following topics:
a) Fundamentals of the current trade system - Overview of trade and investment agreements with Latin America and other existing partnership agreements
b) Social human rights: Trade agreements and access to energy, water, health and education
c) Only for export? – Consequences of trade agreements for food sovereignty and biodiversity in Latin America
d) Your raw materials, our energy transition? – Raw Materials Partnerships, Global Gateway and Green Industrial Policy in Latin America
A good life for whom? Prospects for Fair Trade in a Partnership World
Every week, a new module is unlocked on the learning platform. Each module consists of: videos of people from Latin America commenting on the module topics or introductory videos; and texts written by or with organisations from Latin America, as well as additional materials and a knowledge quiz to consolidate what has been learned. The course materials are largely based on two online courses conducted in 2020 and 2025 by organizations that are part of the Network for Fair World Trade in Latin America.
The course takes place in German, but texts and videos in the original language are also offered.
Before the start (30.10., 19.00), in the middle (20.11., 19.00) and if necessary at the end of the course (optional) accompanying webinars take place to clarify questions about the modality and also about content.
If you have any questions, please contact Paula Müller: paula.mueller@power-shift.de
Unfortunately, registration is no longer possible!
“Funded by ENGAGEMENT GLOBAL with funds from the
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