The progressive governance network brings together centre-left heads of state, governments, politicians and intellectuals from across the world to address key challenges in a globalised world.
While the challenges facing progressives in today’s interdependent world are immense, so are the possibilities for change. Globalisation has led to unprecedented opportunities but its benefits have not reached many and inequalities have increased. The recent financial crisis called into question the neo-liberal consensus that dominated the global political economy since the 1980’s and the time is ripe for a paradigm shift to a more sustainable and inclusive system. At the same time, there are no easy answers for how this transition would be achievable and progressives face political difficulties in many parts of the world.
Through our programme of activities, we aim to:
• Exchange policy lessons, ideas, experiences and challenges amongst an international network of
progressives in order to learn from each other
• Harness the forces of globalisation to provide a better quality of life for all
• Rethink the relationship between the state, market and citizens, with a role for state policies, market
forces and grassroots-level activism in achieving key goals
• Promote social justice along with economic growth and prosperity
• Advance more sustainable and low-carbon economies and lifestyles
• Seek greater equity, at both the national and international level
The progressive governance network was launched in 1999 by Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, Gerhard Schroeder, Wim Kok and Massimo D’Alema. Since then, conferences and summits have been held in Chile, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, Germany and Sweden, amongst other locations. The previous two summits were hosted by then heads of state, Chilean President,
Michelle Bachalet and UK Prime Minister,
Gordon Brown. Recent participants have included, amongst others, Brazilian President
Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva; US Vice-President
Joseph Biden; Direct-General of the WTO,
Pascal Lamy; and Danish Prime Minister,
Helle Thorning-Schmidt.
Progressive Governance Conferences
- Towards growth and shared prosperity, Copenhagen, April, 2013
- Restoring confidence and trust in Europe, Dublin, October, 2012
- A post-crisis agenda for the centre-left: securing shared prosperity, Oslo, May 2011
- Jobs, industry and opportunity: growth strategies after the crisis, London, Feb 2010
- Responses to the global crisis: charting a progressive path, Chile, March 2009
- An inclusive globalisation: promoting prosperity for all, London, Feb 2008