The “Observatorio de la Deuda en la Globalización (ODG)” (Debt Observatory in Globalization) is a research center formed by a multidisciplinary team whose goal is to generate a structural change in the global relations of unequal exchange, grabbing and dispossession.
The ODG is a project that was born in the year 2000 with the initiative of “Red Ciudadana por la Abolición de la Deuda Externa (RCADE)” (Citizens’ Network for the Abolition of External Debt) after the social Consultation for the Abolition of External Debt. The ODG arises due to the need for proven, rigorous, critical and immediate information in order to nurture the process of training, awareness and political pressure. Since the beginning it has been supported by the “Cátedra UNESCO de Sostenibilidad de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya” (UNESCO Chair of Sustainability of the Catalonian Polytechnic University). In 2004 the Network Association of the Debt Observatory in Globalization (XODG) is created to facilitate the tasks of training, denouncing and creating political pressure.
ODG’s team consists of a heterogeneous group of people who work and collaborate in the different areas (research, training, dissemination and political pressure) and themes of the ODG. This network is open to all those who can and want to contribute to achieving our objectives.
Our work is integrated in social movements for global social-environmental justice (in Catalonia, Spain, Europe and the world), providing tools for critical analysis and systematization that can nurture civil society campaigns, creating initiatives to pressure governments’ and institutions’ extraterritoriality (actions beyond the state’s boundaries), seeking a transformational change and moving towards real coherence between the different public policies and the activities of the private / transnational sector with the rights of the People. Also, we try to stimulate informed discussion and strategic thinking in financial, economic, social and environmental terms that will accompany the creation of actions, campaigns, networks and alliances between the different organizations.
Research on illegitimate debt, energie, land and extraterritoriality.
We have a strong link to social movements. We use our research to generate a structural change. We act in solidarity with the people of the Global South directly affected, working together as part of the same struggle against the current capitalist “development” model which impoverishes us.
We receive public finance for our research proyects from the European Union, Agència Catalana de Cooperació al Desenvolupament, Ajuntament de Barcelona, Ajuntament de Sany Cugat de Valles, Ajuntament de Terassa as well as from membership fees
