Transformative Approaches in the Mekong Region

Transformative Approaches in the Mekong Region – Entry-Level Projects for a Social-Ecological Transformation

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung is one of six major political foundations in the Federal Republic of Germany. Affiliated with the German Left party, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung nurtures and promotes democratic socialism. We are striving to develop alternative approaches for transforming society towards a more united and just one. With this approach, we are facilitating political analysis, education, and dialogues, both in Germany and worldwide. We are also providing support for young scholars to pursue their studies in related fields. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung has 26 offices worldwide. In over 80 countries, we are working with partners, including state agencies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. From our office in Hanoi, we are working in 5 countries - Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar - on the topics of Social Justice, Social & Ecological Transformation and a broader view of the ASEAN region.

To explore new political viewpoints, to facilitate a sharing processes in the ASEAN region and towards Europe, we are calling for contributions on the themes: (i) Social-Ecological Transformation, (ii) Climate Justice and (iii) Food Sovereignty (further information below).

Location: Hanoi

The contributions can be of various types like academic papers, interviews, political analyses, picture series, comics etc.

The selected papers will be published by the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung in a joint book in English and German language.

The final paper should be maximum 15,000 characters describing ideas, concepts or projects of a Social-Ecological Transformation and how they can transform the society. The papers may focus on projects and concepts in the five Southeast Asian Mekong countries Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar.

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Southeast Asia will support the editing and publishing of papers that are relevant for our themes and approaches. For each selected paper we will provide an allowance of 350 EUR net.

Process of submitting papers:

• A first overview of the paper (maximum one page) should be sent before 6^th of June 2021
  • Paper Selection will be finished by Mid-June
• The full paper of maximum 15,000 characters should be sent before 15^th of September 2021
  • Related Pictures would be highly valued.

Papers can be submitted via e-mail to Uyen.Tran@rosalux.org . If you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us via the above e-mail address.

For further information, please contact:

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Southeast Asia – Hanoi

Office Phone: +84-24-37185836 / 105 | Fax: +84-24-37185834

House 8c, alley 76 To Ngoc Van | Tay Ho | Ha Noi | Viet Nam

www.rosaluxhanoi.org | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @RosaluxHanoi

(i)                  Social-ecological transformation

Located in the heart of the Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing regions. Yet it is increasingly exposed to social and ecological problems associated with this ongoing economic development. Climate change poses a major challenge to the world's natural resources, biological diversity, human and environmental health, infrastructure, and food systems. The livelihoods of many people are threatened, with Southeast Asia being one of the most affected regions and Vietnam one of the most affected countries. Under current development models, economic growth is for the most part uncontroversial seen as a positive indicator for progress and thus included in most developmental policies. But while a growing gross domestic product (GDP) is celebrated as an indicator of improved living conditions in a specific country, resources are systematically withdrawn from the earth and the source of our livelihood is destroyed to achieve this growth.

Social-ecological transformation (SET) is the potential solution to secure the equal access to resources and a real green, social and sustainable development also for vulnerable groups. We discuss (SET) with our partners as an alternative development paradigm, that measures the quality of development instead of indispensable economic growth. We believe, that a different conceptualization of development is necessary. This results in lower emissions, protects vulnerable groups, and goes beyond short-term economic timeframes. The approach is geared towards the enforcement of social rights, ecological sustainability, local economic cycles, and mutually beneficial international trade.

(ii)                Climate justice

Globally, the severity of climate change is dramatically increasing: extreme weather, hurricanes, floods, landslides, and droughts. In terms of climate change exposure, countries of the global south are much more vulnerable, although they contribute a much smaller proportion of global carbon dioxide emissions. To address climate change efficiently, all nations need to work together in solidarity. For emission reduction, the energy sector needs to be reformed towards lower emission. Fundamental socio-ecological transformation is needed concerning the global production model and people’s lifestyles. In addition, resources must be distributed to help climate change-affected communities, especially in vulnerable countries. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung’s work is based on climate justice. This means that industrialized nations need to take responsibility for climate change consequences in vulnerable countries following polluter-pay principles. In addition, democratic participation, gender justice, and human rights (including rights of climate refugees) must be ensured within climate change mitigation and adaptation processes. At any time, the interest of affected communities must be taken into account, when climate and energy policies are made.

(iii)              Food sovereignty

Agriculture is a primary production sector, as it serves human’s basic needs and ensures global food security. Therefore, it is a key area for reforming the economy and society. Currently, the agricultural sector is exposed to many issues, such as environmental degradation, carbon dioxide emission, over-production, and unsustainable consumption. In the agricultural sector, big corporations are exercising their dominance by selling seeds (including GMOs), fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Since these actors strongly influence global agricultural and food policy, major public concern for small-scale producers and sustainability has been raised. Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung promotes agriculture that respects nature and human rights. Led by the principle of food sovereignty, we are working with the agricultural sector. This means that individuals, collectives, and states should have the right to determine their own food system through democratic and sustainable principles. Progressive farmer organizations, agricultural trade unions, and other collective-based organizations should be empowered to shape agricultural and food policies themselves.

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