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Oxfam's response to John Minto3 July 2002, New York John Minto's letter ('To Save the World' June 15) highlights a difference of opinion in how to respond to the "vicious financial policies of international organisations." Oxfam employs a range of approaches including campaigning in the streets, lobbying, and airing issues in the media. Rarely do we refuse dialogue as a matter of principle. Does the fact we talk to people in the World Bank or World Trade Organisation mean we are co-opted? I don't think so. The more important question is, do we make a difference? I think we do. Over the past few years we helped bring about last month's breakthrough on basic education which is likely to put millions of children in Africa and Asia into school for the first time in their lives. We have helped to increase levels of debt relief so that the world's poorest governments can spend their money on things that people need like health and education. We worked with groups from rich and poor countries to change WTO patent rules so that life saving medicines would not be priced out of reach of the world's poorest people. Our campaign, along with pressure from developing country governments, culminated at the Doha WTO conference late last year with a ministerial declaration that strengthened the ability of poor countries to use cheaper generic copies of essential drugs in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. It often takes a variety of approaches to achieve change. When I think about many of Oxfam's successes, it is clear to me change would not have happened without people in the streets. Grassroots pressure strikes fear into the hearts of politicians. But it is also a battle of ideas. A good example is Bono's recent trip to Africa with United States Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill which resulted in O'Neill (well known for his scepticism towards foreign aid) announcing a "personal crusade to bring clean water to Africa." Bono commented that real change comes from influencing those in power, not throwing stones at them. We have to challenge the ideology of those we disagree with, and persuade the decision-makers that change is possible. And possible it is, as Oxfam has seen through campaigning and putting up persuasive, strong and well-researched policy alternatives. Without such dialogue grassroots pressure alone is unlikely to effect significant change. Both are necessary. Phil Twyford Oxfam International Advocacy Director and former Oxfam New Zealand Executive Director
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