The last couple of days here in Hong Kong I have focused on what is happening on the inside of the convention center where the negotiations are taking place. That is, wherever I have access as an NGO representative. There are two buildings in the center, one where the negotiations are taking place and one where the press and NGOs have their bases. Therefore, in order to talk to delegates we have to wait for them to come out to us, which is something many do but I'm sure they are not looking forward to it :)

But also within the "delegate building" there are closed off areas. The green room, which got its name from a room in the WTO building with green walls, is the wholiest of the wholiest. This is where the real negotiations are taking place, and there's only around 20 people in there at all times. Many countries are excluded from this room, and this is an issue where the WTO has drawn a lot of criticism, due to the lack of transparency and the exclusion of marginalized countries. The negotiators claim, however, that this is the only format that makes it possible to reach a consensus.

To ensure representation in the "green room" countries go together in so-called blocks - groups of countries that share the same interests. For example, most African countries have gone together and agreed to be represented by Zambia in the green room (this position rotates among members, normally every 6 months). This means, when the Zambian delegate goes into the green room to face US and EU negotiators, he has a mandate from most African countries to represent their issues as well.

In the NGO building there are briefings, panel discussions, press conferences, etc, throughout the day among civil society and the press, all while we're waiting for the last updates from the negotiations. There are ususally lots of interesting stuff going on, but updates from the negotiations quickly get the attention by everyone through the word of mouth.

In the NGO center there's a computer room, and this is also a place of hectic activity. People are busy emailing, printing and copying statements and position papers, updating websites and blogs (as I am doing right now), and generally updating each other on the state of negotiations.

That's all for now...