The Global Economic Crisis and Developing Countries: Impact and Response
Led by Oxfam International

Behind the official statistics and the economic modeling, workers such as farmers, migrants, and factory workers around the world are asking the same question: what hit us in 2009? This breakout session will look at Oxfam's research on the global economic crisis and will debate how poor people's own resilience and coping mechanisms can be better supported by States and other institutions.

Innovative Financing Mechanisms
(e.g. Special Drawing Rights, New Reserve Systems and Financial Transaction Taxes)
Led by Third World Network (TWN) and ActionAid International

The recent global financial and economic crisis has opened up new opportunities to mobilize resources for development finance and reform the structures of the global monetary system in a way that would eliminate distortions and benefit all countries. The session will discuss the finding of a paper titled "Fruits of the Crisis- Leveraging the Financial & Economic Crisis of 2008-2009 to Secure New Resources for Development and Reform the Global Reserve System."

Is there development in trade agreements? A look at the Doha Development Agenda and Free Trade Agreements
Led by South Centre, Third World Network and 3D-> Trade-Human Rights-Equitable Economy

This session will bring together trade officials and civil society to exchange views on whether international trade agreements lead to effective development outcomes. It will attempt to evaluate strategies for the way forward in negotiating international trade agreements.

Improving Food Security in the Face of Climate Change
Led by CUTS International

The food price hike and scarcity of 2007-8 renewed the focus of international community on food security, with climate change further aggravating the situation today. This session will provide a forum for an open and constructive discussion of issues related to food security and climate change and their inter-linkages.

To Green or Not to Green: Challenges and Opportunities for Development and Decent Work
Led by International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)

This session will focus on the opportunities for development that lie in green and decent work investments and policies. The debate will explore the challenges for green and decent work agenda with a view to finding constructive answers. Special emphasis will be placed on the green-decent jobs agenda in the developing world and the green-decent jobs agenda for women and for youth. Part of the discussion will focus on the practical dimension; the role of international governmental and non-governmental organizations, especially UNCTAD and the trade unions, in moving the green-decent jobs agenda forward.

Responsible Investment in Agriculture: Sustainable and People-centered Approaches
Led by 3D-> Trade-Human Rights-Equitable Economy and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

In the wake of the food and financial crises, private investors and governments stepped up foreign investment in farmland to produce food and biofuels for export, notably in Africa and Asia. Whilst there is a broad consensus on the need to increase investment in agriculture to improve food security and livelihoods, there is concern about the impact of long-term leases of large tracts of arable land. Some policymakers argue that investment in land creates opportunities for developing countries in terms of technology transfer and employment in rural areas. Others are concerned about the risk of local food, land and water needs being displaced. A central concern is the lack of transparency and good governance in the negotiation and implementation of land deals. Communities and other stakeholders are being excluded from the decision-making processes, which makes it difficult for them to defend their rights and benefit from foreign investment in agriculture. The objective of the session is to explore the issue further and discuss rules and guidelines for foreign investment in agriculture that are sustainable and that put people at the centre.

Too Hot to Handle? How to Bridge the Climate Justice and Global Economic Reform Agendas?
Led by UNCTAD and the United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service (UN-NGLS)

There is growing realization that multilateral negotiations on climate change and reform of the global economic architecture can no longer proceed in isolation. The urgent need to finance large investments (in both the public and private sectors) to meet interrelated socioeconomic and climate threats provides the basis for a shared dialogue. To date, however, the pledges on offer to finance climate change adaptation and mitigation pale in comparison with real needs. This session will explore the political complexities and strategic opportunities presented in leveraging a fair climate deal with the systemic economic reform agenda articulated at the UN since 2009.