The international conference in Amsterdam in December 2019 was a unique opportunity to connect actors on the local and national levels and exchange strategies for economic democracy globally. Our public future lies in the hands of communities – not corporations. 

Public services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of household’ purchasing power. Because water, energy, education, medical and social care are essential for all, universal access and affordability should be the starting point of public services design.

Public ownership is at the heart of an alternative vision, one that puts people, public services and the planet first. It is our social obligation to develop integrated climate and energy policies for decarbonisation – for the sake of future generations. We must build public services and systems that support healthy and sustainable communities that advance social, racial, gender, economic and climate justice. Democratic renewal must also go hand-in-hand with our work to advance public ownership at the national, regional and local levels.

Far-right political movements seek to capitalise on people’s insecurity and anger and are using racism and xenophobia to further divide societies. Progressive forces must offer solidarity and concrete solutions – decent jobs, public services for all, and vibrant local economies. 

Read the highlights of the conference here