The SSI will aim to bring together researchers, activists, trade unionists and policy makers working to promote public services, with an emphasis on health, water, energy and the knowledge commons (especially, the internet). We aim to improve dialogue and expand networks on public services, with a focus on Asia, Africa and Latin America. The idea is to go beyond a mere critique of privatisation to offering practical and theoretical understandings of pro-public services (past, present and future). The idea is to conceptualise, evaluate and take forward – through new partnerships in research, campaigns and advocacy – what is fast-becoming an important and widespread movement for better public services in the Global South.