Interview with Colin Archer – What is GCOMS?
Colin Archer, Secretary-General Interrnational Peace Bureau (IPB) secgen@ipb.org picture ©ipb
- What is GCOMS?
GCOMS is the Global Campaign on Military Spending. It is coordinated by IPB and includes the Global Day of Action on Military Spending
- What are the next activities of GCOMS in this year?
Throughout the year our partners are engaged in challenges to the military spending budgets of their governments. It is quite disturbing to see the increases being proposed in almost all regions. We are in a time of increased tension between major and minor powers. It is therefore all the more important that the peace voices are heard loud and clear. This year GDAMS will be extended to a two week period, April 5 – 18. It will include a number of Berlin Prepcomms.
- Could you please explain how GCOMS in linked to the IPB World Congress in Berlin?
The Berlin congress will provide an important gathering-point for the GCOMS community, and a chance for our message to reach wider audiences through media coverage etc.
- What is the input of GCOMS in the Congress and how are the results of GCOMS incorporated or reflected in the Congress?
We plan to bring reports, videos and documents to the Congress to show how the Campaign is building up. They are also available on our websites and social media pages.
Some of the analysis, calls for action, and results will be included in the Congress Declaration. We also hope that GCOMS will be an important vehicle for follow-up activities (‘post-comms’) in 2017 and beyond.