The International Monetary Fund and World Bank have agreed to a public debate with leading anti-globalisation activists during the organisations' annual meetings in Washington next month.
The debate, in the midst of demonstrations that are expected to bring tens of thousands of protesters to the US capital, could prove a defining moment in the intellectual battle over economic globalisation.
Responding to a request from a coalition of four anti-globalisation groups, the World Bank and IMF said they are in principle happy to meet them in public debate.
"Informed public discourse on the global economy is clearly needed," said a joint letter from Tom Dawson, head of external relations at the IMF, and Mats Karlsson, his counterpart at the World Bank.
But they said it would only be possible if the anti-globalisers renounced violence and agreed to a civilised and constructive dialogue. "In the past, there have unfortunately been a number of instances where this has not been the case," they said.
Mr Dawson said on Sunday such a debate "must not become a forum for publicity stunts and the possibility of violence."
The challenge was made by four established US-based organisations that oppose globalisation and free trade and want radical reform of the fund and bank. The four groups are: Global Exchange, Jobs With Justice, 50 Years Is Enough and Essential Action.
Their letter said: "We would like to invite officials from the institutions to a series of public debates in neutral settings (mass media, town halls) moderated by unbiased journalists."