The document discusses the transformative potential of the sharing economy as a solution to various global crises such as hunger, poverty, and climate change. It emphasizes the necessity of equitable sharing of wealth and resources at national and global levels while identifying the inadequacies of current governance systems and advocating for reforms. Ultimately, it underscores the inherent human nature of sharing and calls for strengthening sharing practices to promote the common good.

1. Reclaiming the alternative
The transformative
potential of the sharing
economy
Adam Parsons
31st October 2014
Reclaiming the alternative www.sharing.org

2. STWR is an independent civil society organisation campaigning for a
fairer sharing of wealth, power and resources within and between
nations.
Through our research and activities, we make a case for implementing
economic sharing as a pragmatic solution to a broad range of
interconnected crises that governments are failing to adequately
address – including hunger, poverty, climate change and
environmental destruction, and conflict over the world’s natural
resources.
About Share The World’s Resources
www.sharing.org
Reclaiming the alternative www.sharing.org

3. Sharing nationally
…examples
• Progressive taxation and public
spending is a complex form of
economic sharing whereby a
nation redistributes a portion of
its financial resources (personal
income and assets, as well as
company profits) for the benefit of
society as a whole.
• Land value taxation as a form of
public revenue can share the
value of a country’s land more
fairly with citizens.
• Access to natural common
resources such as air and water can
also be understood in terms of
sharing, which would mean that the
common good of all people must be
prioritised over commercial or
private interests and market
mechanisms.
• Truly democratic governance
demands a more equitable sharing
of wealth and political power among
citizens, with potentially dramatic
implications for participatory politics.
www.sharing.orgReclaiming the alternative

4. Global sharing
…is still in its infancy
Sharing is still not sufficiently
expressed in the governance
systems and economic structures
that underpin the global economy.
For example:
• Global governance bodies such
as the World Trade organisation,
World Bank and International
Monetary Fund are undemocratic
and pursue a purely market-
based approach to international
trade, finance and development.
• Official Development Assistance
(ODA) is grossly insufficient,
ineffective and often problematic for
recipient countries.
• International trade is riddled with
self-interest and extremely inefficient
from an environmental perspective.
• The United Nations is in need of
considerable reform to render it
more democratic, inclusive and
effective.
www.sharing.orgReclaiming the alternative

5. “The sharing economy is a broad term used in this report that
encompasses the many systems of sharing and redistribution that exist
locally, nationally and globally - whether facilitated by individuals, states or
other institutions. It is concerned with the social, economic, environmental,
political and spiritual benefits of sharing both material and non-material
resources - everything from time and love to money and natural resources.
In comparison, the global sharing economy refers specifically to systems of
sharing and redistribution that are international or global in nature - whether
facilitated directly by people and governments or by global institutions like
the United Nations. It refers to the many methods by which the international
community can share their financial, technical, natural and other resources
for the common good of all people. The global sharing economy is still in its
infancy, but is nonetheless an important expression of the growing sense of
solidarity and unity between people and nations.”
The sharing economy – nationally and globally
Broadening the definition
www.sharing.orgReclaiming the alternative

6. As global citizens and organisations who uphold the common good of all
humanity, we recognise that:
• Sharing is our human nature…
• Our failure to share is a root cause of the world’s crises…
• Sharing is the key to creating a better world…
• A demand for sharing is on the rise across the world…
• Sharing is a common cause that unites us all…
By signing this statement, we affirm the fundamental importance of
strengthening and scaling up all genuine forms of sharing in our divided
world. We therefore add our voice to an emerging worldwide call for
sharing, and commit to engage in this crucial debate at every opportunity.
A global call for sharing
Sign-on statement
www.sharing.orgReclaiming the alternative

7. Campaigning for a fairer
sharing of wealth, power
and resources within and
between nations
www.stwr.org
Reclaiming the alternative