In 1999, the Declaration for Global Democracy was written in protest against what aspect of the World Trade Organization’s role within the global community?

The Declaration for Global Democracy, which was written in 1999, primarily protested against the World Trade Organization's (WTO) practices and policies that were perceived to undermine democratic governance and prioritize corporate interests over the welfare of citizens. The document was part of the larger movement that emerged during the protests against the WTO’s Ministerial Conference in Seattle.

One of the main concerns addressed in the Declaration was the lack of transparency and accountability in the WTO’s decision-making processes. Critics argued that the organization often operated in ways that favored multinational corporations and trade over environmental sustainability and social equity. This led to significant criticisms regarding how trade agreements could bypass national laws and undermine labor rights, environmental protections, and local economies.

Moreover, the Declaration highlighted the fear that the WTO’s influence would exacerbate inequalities both within and between nations, as well as diminish the sovereignty of states to set their own policies in favor of a global trading system that prioritized profit. This movement ultimately aimed to call for a more democratic and responsible approach to global trade that would respect human rights and prioritize the well-being of people over corporate power.