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The most visible signs of the IMF/WB 55th annual summit 26-28th September 2000 in Prague at present are the large Audi/VW clock stockmarket-inspired adverts stating their sponsorship of the event. Also the Czech media has been running a harsh publicity campaign against INPEG - Initiative Against Economic Globalisation - a coalition of Czech environmental, human rights and autonomist groups planning protests September 21-28th. The work of the protestors from INPEG and a network of forty to fifty countries has gone on quietly at the same time as Czech and international secret police operations. INPEG plans a week of protests, education and outreach programs to coincide with the summit. IMF/WB events begin September 19th. INPEG has stated clearly that their protests will be non-violent. Their actions during the week 21-28 will focus on particular issues. September 21st will be World Day without Cars, with the issue of the day ecology. September 22nd focuses on social rights and is the beginning of the Counter Summit, a 3 day forum, with a critique of the IMF and WB and structural adjustment programs (harsh conditions which countries accepting IMF/WB loans have to accept which ensure that the IMF and its investors get something in return) and discussion of existing alternatives by Czech, E. European and international philosophers, economists, sociologists, writers, trade unionists, representatives of radical political groups and social movements. The issue of the 23rd is power and corresponds with the meeting of G7 and NGO talks at the Castle. 24th concentrates on debt and poverty and has the Jubilee 2000 demonstration. From the 22nd-24th 'The Art of Resistance' festival will also take place as a platform for creativity and desire for social change with street theatre, music, puppets to educate and entertain. On the 24th will be a street parade, a finale to the Counter Summit, featuring puppets and theatre through the streets of Prague, ending in a huge celebration. The 25th is human rights day. September 26th is a Global Day of Action - a worldwide protest against economic globalisation - to unite all the issues of the week and mobilise international protestors in direct action both in their own countries and in a protest march in Prague. With their vast economic and manpower resources resources it seems ridiculous that the authorities are frightened of the demonstrators. Media manipulation is just another of the many tools the IMF/WB have to quash interference in their decisions. Despite the growing IMF/WB protests worldwide protesting organisations can only organise at grassroots level and have minute resources in comparison to the organisations they are fighting. It is a remarkable feat of human endeavour and desire for social change that protestors have achieved what they have and that their influence is spreading.." n end to poverty. These foot-soldiers are mobilisi
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