Will 2006 rise to the challenges laid down by 2005?

Last year failed to meet expectations of a significant shift in the nature of international development aid.

2005 began with high hopes — after two decades of relative neglect. In addition, certain events dominating the headlines in 2005 reinforced the message. Most dramatic was the devastation caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami in the closing days of 2004.

It is essential that those demanding political recognition of such needs maintain their demands in 2006.

But drawing up a list of good intentions is only the first step. More difficult is persuading those holding the purse strings. Yet again, efforts to place a significantly greater emphasis on the use of aid to build economic capacity in developing countries — including the need for investment in both the concrete and the 'knowledge' infrastructure required to achieve this — were derailed by supporters of protectionist policies from industrialised nations.

This is the case that must be made in the years ahead. The positive lessons of 2005 are, firstly, that the intellectual argument about the role of science and technology in meeting the needs of developing countries has largely been won, and secondly that — even if only to a limited extent — this argument is finding a growing place in the repertoire of those responsible for effective international aid policies.

[Excerpts of an article byDavid Dickson, Science and Development Network]