Financing 21st Century Development: Bill Gates Report to G20 leaders
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Conclusion
The world is facing urgent short-term and long-term challenges. I hope we focus on the assets we have always relied upon in difficult times. In particular, I hope we emphasize innovation.
Scientific and technological innovations will allow us to solve problems that cause significant misery and hold societies back. A malaria vaccine, for example, would change the economic outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa. Better seeds for the crops that poor people rely on—cassava, maize, millet, rice, and sorghum—would feed billions, improve nutrition, and guarantee food security for the world.
Another kind of innovation—a fundamental shift in the way we think about development—will provide amazing opportunities.
It used to be that the world was, roughly speaking, one-third rich and two-thirds poor. Now, the absolute number and the proportion of dynamic, healthy, highly educated countries are much higher. That has been good for everybody, because it means a more prosperous and stable world. It also means that there are now more countries that have more to give to development. When I see the mix of countries around the G20 table, I am excited about our ability to capitalize on this.
We need to make sure that G20 leaders continue the conversation about how we can do this together—both in Cannes and in the months ahead as we look toward the next meeting in Mexico. We can do much more to promote innovation for development.
* We can help rapidly growing countries apply their unique expertise through innovative partnerships.
* We can build the capacity of developing countries to raise more money and spend it in ways that help improve the lives of their citizens.
* We can work with donors to help them meet their pledges and continue improving the effectiveness of their aid.
* We can create a hospitable enabling environment and develop creative incentives to encourage the private sector to engage more deeply on development challenges.
The world has made so much positive progress, and there is a clear path to making it better still for those who have been left out. We cannot waste this opportunity by retreating now. As long as we are creative and stay committed, we will spur growth, lift people out of poverty, and reinforce the sources of strength that have already generated so much progress.
Related:
