INTRODUCTORY OVERVIEW OF CURRENT REGIONAL INTEGRATION PROGRAMS AND PERSPECTIVES
IN MERCOSUR AND SADC
Dot Keet

SURVEY GUIDELINES

This research exercise is important in order to 'set the scene' on the current 'state of play' in these two regions and in order to establish a broad framework within which the participants in this project can start out; that is, with
• pictures of their respective regions according to a common methodology and similar criteria, as a basis for their exchanges, comparative assessments and further cooperative engagements;
• overviews within which civil society organisations can begin to assess what is already happening in terms of cross-border plans and actual practical programs in their respective regions;
• bases from which they can begin to critique what is already underway or emerging in their regions, and discuss and conceptualise, create and promote alternatives;
• and a common basis from which they can develop cross-border exchanges, investigations and actions within their regions and with their counterparts in similar regions.

African-Latin American Peoples' Dialogue on Regional Alternatives to Capitalist Globalisation and Alternative Regionalisms for Equitable and Sustainable Development
Johannesburg Working Meeting, 7 September 2004

PosterWithin the issues and questions posed in the debates as its frame of reference, the dialogue among movements and organisations within and between the regions will comprise various types of interlinked activities. Common to them all will be a commitment to abide by the following fundamental motivating principles:

* Citizens' democratic participation, respect for diversity, solidarity among peoples;
* The centrality of people's rights and human rights, the right to gender equity and inclusion for all, human security;
* Environmental and economic sustainability and social justice.

Each of the proposed activities meets specific differentiated aims and each requires that certain methodological conditions be met if it is to be pursued successfully. The whole project, however, is conceived in the form of a networked dialogue in different sectors and in various forms spreading outwards as new actors join and participate in the dialogue.