|
|
| by Christopher
Spencer |
Former Senior
Advisor International Organizations, Canadian Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade |
| Updated: 13 SEP
08 | |
Virginia D. Abernethy, Population Politics: The Choices that Shape Our Future(New York: Insight
Books 93):-an influential source, frequently cited for its study of human incentives. It takes now
widely-held view that developing an informed motivation to lower fertility rates(e.g. perception
of limited resources)must often precede active use of contraceptives. It also makes radical
proposal: total US immigration ban.[In fact, current migration from poor to rich countries barely
affects demographic pressures or trends, although short-distance, large-scale movements (such
as from Bangladesh to Assam)can have local impact.] G. Pascal Zachary, "An Unconventional
Academic Sounds Population Alarm" in Wall Street Journal 31 Jul 98, reports that Abernethy
opposed most aid to poor countries since, contrary to "demographic transition" theory(that
fertility falls as living standards rise), prosperity increases fertility.[Most experts probably feel
that while" transition" is much more complex than once thought, perceiving its complete
reversal would:(1)confuse some immediate, with major long-term, effects of rising living
standards (low OECD fertility);(2)ignore many other factors, e.g. female education; women's
choice; cultural imperatives.]
Morton Abramowitz & Thomas Pickering "Making Intervention Work: Improving the UN's Ability
to Act"(100-108) Foreign Affairs Vol.87/No.5(Sep/Oct 08):-official summary:"In the face of grave
humanitarian crises in countries such as Myanmar and Sudan, the international community has
failed to back up its rhetoric with deeds. To adequately address such situations, the United
Nations must streamline its decision-making, strengthen its peacekeeping capabilities, and
create a crisis-response force". Emphasized extracts:"International clamor must produce
results, not simply more clamor". "The UN needs a limited force to respond to humanitarian
disasters and prevent conflicts from spiraling out of control". Abramowitz is a Senior Fellow at
the Century Foundation and former US Ambassador to Thailand and Turkey. Pickering is Vice
Chair of Hills & Company and has served as US Ambassador to six countries and the UN.
Paul R.Abramson & Ronald Inglehart Value Change in Global Perspective (Ann Arbor: Univ. of
Michigan Press 95):-makes statistical survey of most major countries, rich and poor, to
demonstrate that there is a generational trend for public opinion to change from primary concern
with Materialism(economic development, security, etc.) to Postmaterialism (democracy, human
rights). For another viable option available, so many can reflect the change in their global values,
see: Kimon Valaskakis et al., The Conserver Society: A Workable Alternative for the Future
(Toronto: Fitzhenry & Whiteside 79).
ACCESS TO HIV PREVENTION: CLOSING THE GAP, A 40 page Report by Global HIV Prevention
Working Group, (distributed after May 03 as Supplement to Foreign Affairs):-brief statement of
Working Group's accomplishment states that it is region-by-region analysis of gaps in access
to HIV prevention interventions; it examines current spending levels versus projected need; and
it recommends funding and programmatic activities to avert 29m of 45m new HIV infections
projected between 2002 and 2010.Worldwide comments; then analyses regarding regions:
Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia/Pacific, Eastern Europe/Central Asia, Caribbean/Latin America, North
Africa/Middle East. Conclusions: HIV Prevention Resource Gap; RECOMMENDATIONS. Latter
(each followed by argumentation) are: Global spending on HIV prevention activities from all
sources should increase three-fold by 2005 to $5.7b, and to $6.6b by 2007. Because prevention
efforts currently fall short of what is needed in every region of developing world, prevention
scale-up must be central priority in each region. In immediate future, prevention efforts should
aggressively focus on bringing to scale especially cost-effective, high-impact interventions. As
both prevention and treatment programs are brought to scale, these initiatives should be
carefully integrated to create singlecontinuum of services. In addition to funding prevention
interventions themselves, donors should, in collaboration with multilateral agencies, provide
extensive additional support to build long-term human capacity and infrastructure. Development
assistance and policy reforms should address social and economicconditions that increase
vulnerability to, and facilitate rapid spread of HIV/AIDS. Research into newprevention strategies
and technologies should be strengthened and accelerated. Substantial and sustained efforts by
all donors should focus on improving data collection regarding magnitude and nature of
HIV/AIDS spending in low- and middle-income countries.
Diane Ackerman et al., The New Age of Discovery: A Celebration of Mankind's Exploration of the
Unknown (Toronto: Time Canada 97):-although"popular"in format, purpose/content are serious:
17 thoughtful essays contributed by leading scientists and academics. Aim is to survey where
scientific discovery now stands, and where it is taking us. Many topics are or will be global
and/or UN issues: health/ageing; defence against asteroids; DNA/climatic discoveries and
implications; "Third World" -relevant technology; genderdifferences; care of global commons
and indigenous peoples; extraterrestrial life; new energy forms; ethical computing;
"homogenization" of world; special global challenges. Relatively easy place to start looking at
trends and prospects- particularly if your background not in science. Survey is just example
ofvaluable collections of what are in fact 21st-Century global issues, put together by good
general periodicals(dailies, weeklies, monthlies),often to mark occasions like anniversaries or
new years/decades. Those fitting our purposes here would be forward-looking, deal with
subjects global in scope or importance, be written by top impartial authorities, and preferably
offer reading lists.
James Adams, The Next World War: Computers Are the Weapons and the Front Line Is
Everywhere(New York: Simon & Schuster 98):-not primarily about technology, but rather warning
about (un)anticipated effects of accelerating revolution in many-faceted field of information
warfare(IW). Uses many original sources to explain fundamental changes in nature of combat.
Weapons can be disabling, non-lethal, long-distance, unmanned, multi-use, minuscule... Wars
may be battlefield-less, electronic, adversary-ambiguous, instantaneous... Intelligence and
surveillance will be pervasive/often decisive. At same time, vast technical lead -and complexity
- of rich countries' forces/societies also creates immense (cyber) vulnerability. In global
North-South terms, implies economically-advanced states will prefer to fight by exploiting their
technology, while any less-advanced opponents will tend to concentrate their attacks onthat
technology's weak points.[World community/UN will find "violent conflict" (formal inter-state
war now very rare)not only creates multiple new diplomatic/legal issues(time/space limits,
sanctions, intervention, lethality, causes, costs, crimes)but, most difficult of all, is increasingly
ambiguous, in terms of "participants" (both initiators and intended enemies/victims),
location(e.g. if electronic, disease-inducing, and/or delayed-action), aims(already true of
terrorism), even very existence(e.g. cyber-, resource- or bio-conflict; deliberate/ accidental?).One
major consequence then is that entire concept of conflict-resolution transformed.]
Agence France-Presse"U.N. Chief Blames Rich Nations for Failure of Trade Talks"New York
Times 13 Feb 00:-UNSG Kofi Annan told Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD) in
Bangkok that breakdown of WTO meeting in Seattle was not result of violent NGO protests, but
was the fault of world's most powerful nations which "could not agree on their priorities" . While
the developing nations playedmore "active and united role" than ever before, industrial powers"
bickered among themselves" and showed "they did not have will to carry out reforms
in[trade]rules" . Annan said barriers were excluding LDCs from benefits of global trade, and
called for a "Global New Deal" to "spread the advantages of freer flow of goods, jobs and
capital among all countries...open to investment" . Seth Mydans"U.N. Trade Meeting Brings Rich
and Poor No Closer"NYT 20 Feb 00:-UNCTAD "ended with no real narrowing of differences" that
split WTO meeting, thus confirming UNSG's pessimism. There were only " general expressions
of hope that rich and poor nations might eventually agree on formula that would allow them to
share benefits of global trade." To this end, LDCs had again demanded fully opened markets
for their products, and objected to standards of environmental and worker protection that simply
delayed their development. Algeria claimed Africa is being crushed - indeed "rubbed out" - by
new world trade order. The Economist 13 May 00"The WTO: Merry-Go-Round" (75-6):-provides
useful update on WTO-related issues since WTO/UNCTAD meetings, andconfirms both Annan's
complaints: US and EU still "bickering" , and LDCs still getting raw deal. For another, more
optimistic/forward-looking update on Transatlantic bickering:Economist 30 Sep 00"Trade:
Boom...".
Shardul Agrawala and Steinar Andresen, "Indispensability and Indefensibility? The United States
in the Climate Treaty Negotiations" Global Governance Vol.5/No.4(Oct/Dec 99):-insightful essay
not only relevant to most critical environmental issue facing global community(Grubb 99 op.cit);
helps explain both sudden changes or galling intransigence in US positions on variety
multilateral questions(for UN: Lyons op.cit.).Recalls major US environment statements, policies
and positions, and shows them surprisingly erratic even under same president. Then identifies
powers and interests of many forces and often key individuals within US administrations,
Congress, industry, public opinion and dedicated pressure groupsthat influenced environmental
policy, and shows how their interplay affected or determined volatile orstubborn US position on
climate change at various times.
Yusaf H. Akbar and Bernhard Mueller, "Global Competition Policy: The Issues and Perspectives"
in Global Governance Vol.3/No.1(Jan-Apr 1997):-the authors argue that globalization produces
a"governance gap" i.e. the growing linkages between economies outstrip the rate at which the
interdependent national policies can adapt. However, the harmonization of conflicting
competition policies(UN/WTO)must first reflect a consensus.
Madeleine K. Albright, "The Testing of American Foreign Policy" Foreign Affairs
Vol.77/No.6(Nov/Dec 98):-deliberately-crafted, hence deeply discouraging for at least three sorts
of human beings:(1)those who sense both inherent justice and necessity of multilateralism in
world of legally equal states;(2)those acutely conscious of global perspectives/imperatives being
forced on all states/people by rapidly accelerating/ fundamental change/product:
interdependence; (3)above all, those who see that states can - and henceforth must - have
longer-term and better motives than to act in such totally short-term and self-serving ways as
would generate total disgust if exhibited by any individual. Yet article specifically confirms "the
goals of American foreign policy...have not changed in more than 200 years. They are to ensure
continued security, prosperity, and freedom of our people." Such "realist" priorities at very least
influence perspectives of most governments even if" softened" by 3 now-essential qualifiers. Yet
US has unprecedented power of manoeuvre, and US leadership and example in everything is
stressed. Opportunity might now be exploited to reflect "new realities" :Globalism is 21st
Century Realism.
Martin Albrow, The Global Age: State and Society Beyond Modernity(Stanford: Stanford Univ.
Press 97):-largely theoretical look at globalization, but offering many practical insights about
global institutions. Basic thesis: while political, social, economic and technical elements of
modernity and nation-state continue, entering new era where globality, i.e. global viewpoint, will
gradually replace them. UN system, being representative of states, need not be world state, but
will become increasingly system reflecting viewsand debating values of humanity(119-144).
John B.Alexander Future War: Non-Lethal Weapons in Twenty-First Century Warfare(New York:
St. Martin's Press 99):-excellent study of immense potential of non-lethal weapons, and impact
of global trends on aims of security. Assumed US/NATO must(via UN)be world police force.
Emerging threats for armed forces/police are: powerful criminal/terrorist organizations, together
with transnational/religious bodies/ groups seeing themselves as politically, economically or
socially deprived. Wide range of non-lethal weaponry includes acoustic, biological, chemical,
electromagnetic weapons, physical restraints, low-impact projectiles, information warfare.
Useful scenarios: peace support(UN)operations; technologicalsanctions; strategic paralysis;
hostages or barricades. Issues addressed: practical limitations, strategicimplications, moral
opposition, legal considerations, and constraints on "winning" .
Graham AllisonNuclear Terrorism: The Ultimate Preventable Catastrophe(New York: Owl
Books/Henry Holk & Co 05):-extremely expert/influential report argues in INTRODUCTION
that:"Given the number of actors with serious intent, the accessibility of weapons or nuclear
materials from which elementary weapons could be constructed, and the almost limitless ways
in which terrorists could smuggle a weapon through US borders, [i]n my own considered
judgment, on the current path, a nuclear terrorist attack on US inthe decade ahead is more likely
than not"(15). First chapter concludes:"What all [major terrorist] groups have in common is a
hatred of the US or the West, along with sophisticated organizational structuresand access to
technical know-how. [U]ncomfortable fact is that being the world's only superpower isinevitably
going to breed resentment of one form or another - and it is impossible to mollify every single
group. Challenge to US is to prevent these organizations from acquiring the means to threaten
us with nuclear attack"(42).Then describes"unique destructive power of these terrible weapons",
how/where they could be obtained, and where/when/how attacks might take place(43-120). Then
describes policy changes to reduce chance of attack. List: priority to issue; standard for secure
nuclear weapons/material; globalalliance against nuclear terrorism; global clean-out of all
dangerous fissile material; stop new national production of fissile material; shut down of nuclear
black markets; block emergence of nuclear weaponsstates; full review of global nonproliferation
regime; revise nuclear weapons' postures/pronouncements;global prosecuting war on
terrorism(205). Emphasis is on US but essential involvement must be global.
Philip G.Altbach & Roberta Malee Bassett "The Brain Trade: Prime Numbers" Foreign Policy
No.144(Sep/Oct 04):-among very influential "globalizing" events today are the growing millions
of Third World post-secondary students attending universities in rich Western countries. Many
gain access to key ideas of modern society and/or operate in English, so later lives will be
influenced by "worldly" visions. Despite newglobal concerns with terrorism" there is no holding
back the flow of students seeking education beyondtheir borders" ;Australia recently estimated
the "total number of international students will increase to 8m by 2025." Regarding content,"
literature and arts take back seat[;] three fields dominate: business/management,engineering,
mathematics/computer sciences." About 80% of world's foreign students are from
Asiancountries; the following states include universities with 100,000+ enrolled through distance
education: China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey. Leading
receiver countries(with the rough total of foreign students 2000/01): Australia(70,000),
Britain(223,000), France(135,000), Germany(185,000),US(547,000). Since most foreign students
pay for their own study/living expenses, first two depend on their income to help support public
universities. "Many migrants maintain strong ties from abroad, someeventually return home, and
growing numbers of highly educated contribute to their home societies byproviding expertise
and investment. But loss of significant numbers of best and brightest remainsproblem for many
poorer societies" . It may then be related to expenses that "increasing number[of potential
foreign student payers is]looking for new options in developing world" ;emergence of
mega-universities in India and China may soon alter balance of'brain trade'forever.
Lawrence K.Altman "Report Shows AIDS Epidemic Slowdown in 2005"New York Times 30 May
06:- "Newsurveys suggest that global AIDS epidemic has begun to slow, with decline in new HIV
infections in about 10 countries, leader of UNAID program said. Outside of those countries,..
number of new AIDS infections continues to rise or hover at its current pace. Meanwhile, public
health efforts are reaching only a small proportion of people at risk, Dr.Peter Piot, executive
director of UNAIDS, said at news conference in UN NYC ...India has 5.7m infected people and
South Africa 5.5m, but India's population far greater. Showing no sign of decline, South Africa
has a prevalence rate of about 19% of 47m people.In India, rate is less than 1% of its population
of 1.1b. Progress against AIDS in some regions represents dividends from a surge in financing
since 2001, when UN pledged its commitment to stem epidemic by 2010. Declaration called for
countries to report regularly on their responses to AIDS. This week, UNGAwill receive the
progress that 126 countries have said they have made. Report(op.cit.), most comprehensive
survey ever compiled from country data, pointed to the 2001 UN meeting as a turning point for
AIDS financing. In 2005,.. world spent $8.3b on AIDS, compared with $1.6b in 2001. 'We areseeing
the impact', Piot said. He cited increased condom use, a rise in postponement of sexual
intercourse and a decrease in number of sex partners as factors in slowing of epidemic.
Summarizing report's findings, Piot said '2005 was least bad year in the history of the AIDS
epidemic'... Despite thepositive trends, Piot reported grim findings from China, Indonesia, Papua
New Guinea, Russia andVietnam(op.cit.), with signs of outbreaks in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Ending the pandemic will depend largely on changing social norms like empowering women,
reducing stigma of the disease andencouraging a greater reduction in the number of sex
partners, report said. Most countries have strong foundations for building an effective response
against AIDS, report said, but systems to carry out plansremain inconsistent. Thoroughness of
the individual national reports varied, and many countries did not provide data for all
categories... Still, replies identified significant weaknesses, he said. Fewer than 50%of young
people achieved comprehensive knowledge levels about HIV, far fewer than the 90% goal.
Only9% of gay men and fewer than 20% of intravenous drug users received any kind of HIV
prevention help in 2005. Services to prevent HIV infections in infants have not scaled up as
rapidly as programs to provide antiretroviral therapy. Just 9% of pregnant women were covered...
Report shows that epicenterof the epidemic remains in sub-Saharan Africa. There epidemic has
reached peak, but incidence remains unacceptably high, Piot said. Across most of Africa, HIV
prevalence among pregnant women attendingclinics has remained roughly level for several
years. UN disputed contentions by some observers thatthe leveling off showed a turning point
in the AIDS epidemic in Africa... Piot said, 'actual number of people infected continues to rise
because of population growth'" ; Lawrence K.Altman "U.N. Urges Tripling of Funds by '08 to Halt
AIDS" NYT 01 Jun 06:- "Stopping epidemic of AIDS will require $22b/year by 2008 and possibly
more in following years, officials of UNAIDS program said. The $22b is nearly triplethe $8.3b
spent 05 by all sources, including governments and private sector. Urging that countries spend
more, UNSG Kofi Annan said a costlier and more sustained effort needed because AIDS
'hasspread further, faster and with more catastrophic long-term effects than any other disease'...
Of projectedfigure, half is needed for prevention and a quarter for treatment and care of infected
people. Remainderis for care of orphans, children at risk of becoming infected and program
costs. UNSG and Piot of UNAIDS spoke as UNGA began meeting aimed at renewing political
commitment and setting new goals for expenditures and for measuring progress... Annan urged
delegates to challenge countries trying to avoid goals that mention gay people, prostitutes,
intravenous-drug users and others at high risk of becoming infected. 'Governments concerned
need to be realistic and responsible', UNSG said. He also said that 'if we are here to try to end
the epidemic, we will not succeed by putting our head in the sandand pretending that these
people do not exist or they do not need help'... Report cards showed that most countries missed
more goals than they met. More than 20m have become infected since 2001 meeting.Now
countries must fundamentally change the way they think and deal with epidemic, moving from
crisis management to 'sustained attention and the kind of "anything it takes" resolve that
member states apply to preventing global financial meltdowns or wars' , Piot said... Global
Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS released a study showing that private companies have become
more likely to provide treatment for employees as cost of antiretroviral drugs has fallen over last
six years, to $140-$300/year,from $10,000. In African countries with a high prevalence, more than
70% of companies surveyed arefully subsidizing access to HIV treatment, coalition said.
Study...found increasing trend to expand such treatment to employees' dependents. Companies
also offering access to voluntary testing/counseling" ; Lawrence K.Altman & Elisabeth Rosenthal
"U.N. Strengthens Call for a Global Battle Against AIDS" NYT 02 Jun 06:- "[UNGA] adopted
strongly worded declaration [02 Jun] aimed at pressing nations of the worldto strengthen their
battle against AIDS, global pandemic [UNSG] called 'greatest challenge of our generation'.
Language of document surprised even anti-AIDS groups, which said that while it did not satisfy
all their objectives, they had feared it would be watered down... Nonbinding declaration reaffirms
commitments made in 01, when UN defined AIDS as far more than a medical issue, framing it in
terms of political/human rights/ economic survival... New document is political blueprint, not
plan of action.Calls for strong commitment to bolster the rights of women/girls so they can
protect themselves from infection with HIV... Declaration calls on countries to: use scientifically
documented prevention strategies, including condoms;make clean needles accessible to drug
users; take steps to provide universal access to prevention programs/ care/antiretroviral drugs.
Includes politically charged terms like 'condoms' /'vulnerable groups' , though those groups not
specified... Countries expected to measuretheir progress over next 5 years against targets to be
determined by UN... Said world will need to spend up to $23b/year by 2010... Earlier in day, UNSG
Annan delivered a gloomy assessment, saying world waslosing the battle. 'The epidemic
continues to outpace us' , he told packed UNGA. 'There are more new infections than ever
before; more deaths than ever before; more women/girls infected than ever before'... [US' s]
Mrs.Bush speech steered away from many of the criticisms that have been labled against
administration, notably that it promotes sexual abstinence over scientifically proven
strategies,particularly condom use. Indeed, she said, 'ABC'model - initials stand for abstain, be
faithful and usecondoms - had brought sharp declines in infections in Africa. Britain's
international development[minister] said in interview: abstinence alone did not work ...Dr. Peter
Piot [UNAIDS] said: while nodocument could make anyone '100% happy', final version was 'a
major advance'and far stronger thanweaker drafts circulating earlier in week" ; Reuters "Nations
Resist New Financial Commitments on AIDS" NYT 02 Jun 06:- "A major UN meeting on AIDS
strategy fell short of concrete financial commitmentsbut recognized the growing spread of the
disease among women and their right to protect themselves.Last day of 3-day meeting brought
together heads of state, PMs and health officials from 151 countries...'I know that none of you
got all you wanted in this declaration', UNGA President Eliasson said in closing session. But he
said thanks to advocacy groups, 'the draft got stronger - not weaker'... Document says $23b will
be needed annually by 2010 to fight AIDS ...Nations agreed to search for additional resources
to ensure universal access to treatment by 2010. But delegations did not commit themselves to
a timetable for raising the funds as they did in 2001 when the financial target was met...
Squeamishness over sex was evident.,. with Islamic groups and conservative Roman Catholic
countries using the term 'vulnerable groups' rather than referring to prostitutes, homosexuals
and drug addicts... Yet the document, in addition to abstinence, advocated male and female
condoms and 'harm reduction'efforts related to drug use, a euphemism for needle exchange
programs for addicts... Declaration called for sex education, reproductive health services and
condemned 'abuse, rape and other forms of sexual violence'as well as 'trafficking in women and
girls' " .
Chris Anderson, "The Young(stressing Youth and Age)" The Economist 23 Dec 00(Survey
1-16):-explorescauses/ elements/global impact of major social trend, strong in North America,
spreading through advanced/emerging societies and already changing poorer countries(Japan,
Germany, China)." About...growing influence of young adults in world, and especially working
world...thanks to convergence of forces that play to youth's strength -from technology to...pace
of change to...tearing down of traditional...order.[T]hey are...first young who are both in position
to change world, and are actually doing so.[Y]oung people increasingly make own environment,
thanks to shift in power that gives them opportunity, responsibility and tools once reserved for
their elders" .Rapid, relentless pace ofchange(technological/social)favours young, since they
learn/relearn faster/easier/can afford to risk more to try new things(including jobs).In
organizations, hierarchies of mature giving way to meritocracies in order to compete/ survive,
initiate/adjust to change, and as knowledge/skill/even experience needs constant
updating/replacement. Youth: welcome change; think flexibly/technologically;
exploit(mobile)skills; riskfutures; prefer opportunity to wealth/ security; demand/deserve
respect. "Youth and Government" in issue(61-2)reports youth's growing role/impact in
decision-making.[ "W]ell-prepared input can be more influential than[votes - point often made
about NGOs' power being in knowledge]Young people...are not only leaders of tomorrow;
increasingly they are leaders of today" .
James Anderson, Chris Brook and Allan Cochrane, edit., A Global World? Re-ordering Political
Space (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995). - this is the concluding textbook of five on "The
Shape of the World" written for the Open University, UK. The main thrust is to determine the
effects of globalization on the (nation)state, using the EU, Islam and the Green movement as
sources. The authors' conclusion: the complexity and unevenness of global trends will change,
not end, the state system.
Kofi A. Annan, "The Quiet Revolution" Global Governance Vol.4/No.2(Apr-Jun 98):-fine updating
of Secretary-General worldview and priorities. Globalization is "most rapid reconfiguration
of...economic geography ever" so UN must exploit"mutual benefits of change while managing
adverse effects...UN's past pattern of incremental adaptations will not suffice." Must do what "it
does better than others" ;collaborate more with international bodies/civil society: NGOs
/business/academe. UN aim"strategic resource deployment, unity ofpurpose, coherence of
effort/agility/flexibility" , all made more critical by demands of globalization.
Kofi A.Annan "Peacekeeping, Military Intervention, and National Sovereignty in Internal Armed
Conflict" in Jonathan Moore edit. Hard Choices: Moral Dilemmas in Humanitarian
Intervention(Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield 98)(for book see Moore op.cit.):-UNSG notes how UN
operations forced to change radically since end of Cold War. One change been UN involvement
in internal armed conflicts. "Often do not lend themselves to traditional peacekeeping
treatment," requiring difficult coordinated political, military, andhumanitarian response.
Meanwhile "understanding of sovereignty undergoing significant transformation" : "matter of
responsibility, not just power." "[M]ust not be allowed to obstruct effective action to address
problems that transcend borders or to secure human dignity." Author then provides illustrations,
drawing mainly on UN role in Bosnia.
Kofi A. Annan, "Two Concerns of Sovereignty: International Intervention in Humanitarian Crises"
The Economist18 Sep 99(49-50):-UNSG gives his views on basic issues. Inaction in Rwanda and
interventions in Kosovo(no authority) and East Timor(too little too late)all justify criticism. We
need consensus "not only... that massive and systematic violations of human rights must be
checked...but also on ways of deciding what action is necessary, and when, and by whom."
Critical points: "intervention" should not be understood as referring only to use of force; we
need redefinition of sovereignty and broader definition of national interests that "would induce
states to find greater unity in pursuit of common goals and values...today,collective interest is
national interest" ;if force is necessary, Council must uphold Charter; act "in defence of our
common humanity" ;ceasefires do not end commitments.
Kofi A. Annan, "Preventing War and Disaster: A Growing Global Challenge" , Annual Report on
the Work of the Organization 1999, by the Secretary-General of the United Nations(New York:
DPI/2058; Sales No: E.99.1.29-Sep 1999):-after a convincing plea for more cost-saving global
efforts to foresee, prevent, or reduce human and natural crises, Annan summarizes all major UN
activities over year to Sep 99, and selected plans and problems(in 130pp). Chapters address:
peace and security; development; humanitarian issues; globalization; legal order; human rights;
administration. Overall impression: hard-won progress implementing UN
obligations/reforms/savings are frustrated by Members' selfishness/lack of political will/financial
irresponsibility. The chapter on GLOBALIZATION(76-89) looks at it from four points of view
relevant to the UN System: Economic and social dimensions; Globalization and the environment;
"Uncivilsociety" (crime);Implications of globalization for security. Annan identifies
globalization's challenges as "the most immediate and obvious reason for strengthening
multilateral cooperation" so UN has been "examining the various dimensions of
globalization...in some detail" in the period of the Report.
Kofi A. Annan, "We the Peoples: The Role of the United Nations in the 21st Century" Millennium
Report of S-G presented 03 Apr 00 to UNGA in preparation for the Millennial Summit 6-8 Sep 00:-
Executive Summary, Key Proposals, Full Report, Fact Sheet, Press Releases, SG UNGA
Statement, SG Press Conference Transcript: all under http://www.un.org/millennium/sg/report/.
Annan said report "attempts to present a comprehensive account of the challenges facing
humanity as we enter the twenty-first century, combined with a plan of action for dealing with
them" . Section titles with(very tight)summaries: I. New Century, New Challenges: New
millennium-Summit offers unique occasion to reflect on world's common destiny, since
interconnected as never before. UN can help meet challenges ahead and be reshaped now to
make a real difference. II. Globalization and Governance: Globalization unequally distributed and
lacks shared social objectives. More people(plus crime, drugs, terrorism, pollution, disease,
weapons, migrants, refugees)interact across frontiers faster, and feel more threatened/ horrified
by distant events/conditions. New technologies enable common understanding/action, so must
learn to govern better, together. States need mutual help via common institutions, from
non-state actors, and informal policy networks. The unequal/unstable/unsustainable world
development model needs agreed remedial measures. III. Freedom From Want: .5b live on less
than $1 a day, so must reduce extreme poverty by half before 2015. Priorities: sustained growth;
all children complete primary school by 2015 and all youth finddecent work; by 2010 HIV
infection rate in young cut by 25% -one result of more LDC-relevant research; improve lives of
100m slum dwellers by 2020; experts/charities to tackle low agricultural productivity in Africa,
as governments give higher priority to poverty; maximize LDC access to infonets to speed
development; rich states open markets to LDCs, offer more debt relief, and focus increased
ODA. IV.Freedom From Fear: internal wars killed 5m in decade; WMD remain threat; security
protects people, not territory. Tackle conflict by: prevention, more balanced development,
human/minority rights, exposingweapons/money/resource smuggling; protect the vulnerable by
enforcing international/human rights law; using UNSC for armed intervention when rights and
lives are massively violated; consider peace operations review panel proposals; target "smart"
sanctions more; improve control of small arms transfers, and reduce dangers of existing nuclear
arms and proliferation. V. Sustaining Our Future: Most planet-sustaining actions are too few,
little, and late. Before 2002, must: cope with climate change: reduce emissions 60% by
efficient/renewable energy, implementing Kyoto Protocol; meet water crisis: accept 2015 target
of 50% reduction in those without safe/affordable water, raise agricultural productivity per unit
of water, improve management; defend soil: biotechnology may be best hope for sufficient food
production, so debate must be resolved globally; preserve forests, fisheries, biodiversity with
joint government/private sector conservation; build new stewardship ethic: public education,
integration ofenvironment into economic policy, regulations/ incentives, accurate scientific data.
VI. Renewing the UN: Must find consensus solutions among governments, private sector, NGOs,
and IOs, with UN as catalyst. Build on core UN strengths(norm-setting, global actions,
humanitarian trust)to press rule of law, adapt UNSC, and work with NGOs, private sector and
foundations, including through informal policy networks; work with industry to exploit
information technology; improve UN management throughstructural/agenda reform,
priority-setting, more flexibility, results-based budgeting. VII. For Consideration by the Summit:
Act on basis of shared Charter values: Freedom, Equity and Solidarity, Tolerance, Non-Violence,
Respect for Nature, Shared Responsibility. Adopt resolutions drawn from Report as
evidence.Reviews: Barbara Crossette, "Annan Urges High-Tech Aid for Poor Countries" in New
York Times 4 Apr;The Economist 8 Apr: "Kofi Annan's Words to the World: Bouncing to a Fairer
World" (51).
Kofi A. Annan, "Common Destiny, New Resolve" , Annual Report on the Work of the Organization
2000, by the Secretary-General of the United Nations(New York: DPI/2153;Sales No.E.00.1.22-Sep
99):-UNSG begins by noting report to Millennium Summit, "We the Peoples: The Role of the
United Nations in the 21st Century" (op.cit.), includes his assessment of humanity's progress
and challenges at turn of millennium,and suggests ways in which international community can
work together to" better lives of people still left behind" .Introduction, summarizing 130-page
report on major UN activities over year to Sep 00, highlights: (1)Demands on UN humanitarian
agencies far exceeded worst-case predictions; (2)Living standards in sub-Saharan Africa still
declining; (3)AIDS pandemic spreads with frightening rapidity; needs stronger commitment to
action; (4)Three new peace missions were created, straining UNHQ resources.
(5)Reviewsanalysed UN failures in Srebrenica and Rwanda; offered recommendations. (6)
controversial economicbenefits of globalization must be more inclusive/equitably shared.
(7)Must be cooperative management ofglobal economic affairs through more effective
governance. (8)Informal global policy networks involving governments, international institutions,
civil society and private sector have great potential. Chapters: Peace/Security; Humanitarian
Commitments; Development; International Legal Order/Human Rights; UNManagement.
Kofi A. Annan, Report of the [UN] Secretary-General to the Preparatory Committee for the
High-level International Intergovernmental Event on Financing for Development:-this
collaborative effort(officially UNGA Document A/AC.257/12)runs to 64 pages, makes 87
recommendations, and was commissioned bythe Millennium Summit to help focus discussion
at a Mar 2002 global meeting on development financing(still an" event" since it awaits an official
title). Involved directly in the report's preparation were: many parts of the UN proper(particularly
DESA, UNCTAD and UNDP); UN Agencies; the Bank, Fund and WTO; theregional development
banks; OECD; the Financial Stability Forum; many governments/otherstakeholders(arranged by
the UN regional commissions); the business community; and civil society organizations. Hence
it reflects extremely varied, expert and authoritative views - significant, since some proposals
are quite radical, even if presented solely on the responsibility of the UN Secretariat. The report
consists of an Introduction and six chapters, the latter perhaps being the agenda items of the
"event" : I. Mobilizing domestic financial resources for development; II. Mobilizing international
resources for development: foreign direct investment and other private flows; III. Trade; IV.
Increasing international financial cooperation for development through, inter alia, official
development assistance; V. Debt; VI. Addressing systemic issues: enhancing coherence and
consistency of the international monetary, financial and trading systems in support of
development. For highlights, see UN Press Release DEV/2275at: http://www.un.org/News/Press
/docs/2001/ dev2275.htm. The complete text(which explains all acronyms!)can also be
downloaded from the Web: http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/aac257-12E.htm
orhttp://www.un.org/esa/ffd/aac257-12E.pdf. For three articles about the Report(highlighting the
dirty bits)see: Christopher S. Wren, "U.N. Report Proposes Steps to Fight Global Poverty" in New
York Times 30 Jan 01;Reuters, "Annan Offers Poor Nations 87 Ways to Lure Funds" NYT 30 Jan;
Wren, "The U.N. Offers 87 Remedies to Help Poor Nations Develop" NYT 04 Feb. The UNSG's
opening speech at the subsequentPrepcom meeting is reported in: Reuters "Annan: Poor
Nations Must Set Development Priorities" NYT 12 Feb. It describes his theme as: LDCs "should
play a greater role in setting policy and priorities in thefinancing of global development" and
cease to be "decided in clubs where only rich countries have real influence" . This issue is of
course a perennial one at the UN, where the contribution-weighted voting in Bretton Woods
bodies is seen as "grossly unfair" and "neo-colonialist" by aid recipients, whose very survival
may be at stake, but "absolutely essential" by the investment-oriented donors, who feel"
shareholders" have natural rights to determine where and how their own money is spent. Annan
aims to increase the relative role of" one-country-one-vote" UN fora(UNGA; ECOSOC)in making
broad global development policies and priorities. He also is very concerned to make foreign
investment in LDCs larger and less volatile as ODA continues its decline. Advising him is a
high-level panel(Zedillo, Rubin, Delors...).
Kofi A. Annan "Courage To Fulfil Our Responsibilities" The Economist 04 Dec 04(23-5):-UNSG
offers global action-urging essay built on his immediate reaction to report of the High-Level
Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change. Following his urgent introduction is a brief summary
of Annan's alreadyconcentrated and rearranged version of the panel report's many
concerns/proposals. Its value is less to summarize the panel's views than to identify subjects
they and/or he discuss. "We face a world of extraordinary challenges - and of extraordinary
interconnectedness. We are all vulnerable to new security threats, and to old threats that are
evolving in complex and unpredictable ways. Either we allow this array of threats, and our
responses to them, to divide us, or we come together to take effective action to meet all of them
on basis of a shared commitment to collective security. I asked the 16 members of [panel]-
eminent people representing many nations and points of view - to analyse the threats to
peaceand security our world faces; to evaluate how well our existing policies and institutions
are meeting them; and to recommend changes to those policies and institutions, so as to ensure
an effective collective response to those threats. Their report...makes 101 far-sighted but
realistic recommendations. If acted on, they would address the security concerns of all states,
ensure that UN works better, strengtheninternational rule of law and make all people safer" .
First: threats. Event/process leading to deaths on large scale/lessening life chances or
undermines states, should be viewed as threat to innatl peace/security.Clusters:
economic/social, including poverty/disease; inter-state conflict/rivalry; internal violence: civil
war/state collapse/genocide; nuclear/radiological/chemical/ biological weapons; terrorism; innatl
crime.Threats interconnected to unprecedented degree; no state alone can defeat. Highly
enriched uranium at size of 6 milk cartons could level medium-sized city as nuclear device. Such
attack in US/Europe isstaggering cost for world economy. Security of developed states only as
strong as ability of poor statesto respond to/contain new deadly infectious disease. Incubation
period for most is longer than most air flights, so any one of 700m who travel airlines in year
could unwittingly carry lethal virus to unsuspecting state. Today, virus similar to 1918 influenza
could kill tens of millions in fraction of a year. In today's worldany threat to one is truly threat to
all; applies to all categories of threats. Since real limits on self-protection,all states need
collective-security system, committing all to act cooperatively against dangers.
Givengravity/interconnectedness of threats, world needs more active prevention. Prevention can
be highly effective(Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty);WHO helped halt SARS. Best prevention
agents: capable states, acting/cooperating with others. Best preventive strategy: is development
support. Millennium Development Goals to halve poverty/hunger by 2015 states' best security
investment. It will save lives/reduce violentconflict and radicalism/bolster state ability against
threats before real harm. HIV/AIDS shows danger ofinadequate prevention. Slow/ineffective
global response allowed 20m killed/20 years; spread continues andworst to come. Ultimate cost
will include shattered societies. Still not taking all needed steps to bring under control. Also
need public-health facilities built in poor world. Not only poorer states benefit
diseasetreatment/local prevention; whole world has better defence against
bio-terrorism/large-scale naturalepidemics. UNSC should work with WHO to strengthen
biological security via prompt, effective responses.Equal: greater environmental collective
action, including beyond Kyoto protocol to better resources management in states at risk.
Prevention also vital to protect against terrorism. New isrange/scale/intensity of threat(al-Qaeda
can kill around world/has struck in 10+ UN members).Could acquire instruments of massive
destruction: unprecedented danger. UN must better use assets in fight against terrorists:
articulate a strategy respectful of laws/human rights. Definition of terrorism offered: any action
intended to kill/seriously harm civilians/non-combatants, with purpose of
intimidatingpopulation/compelling action by government/innatl organization. States should use
to build consensus andstrengthen UN response to deadly scourge. Also urgent
recommendations on non-proliferation/disarmament/curbing supply of materials to reduce risk
of nuclear/chemical/biological attacks by states/terrorist groups. States encouraged to end
development of domestic uranium enrichmentand urged to voluntary time-limited moratorium
on reprocessing plant construction. IAEA ability to monitorcompliance with Non-Proliferation
Treaty strengthened by standards in protocol for safeguards inspections. Since Cold War, UN
far more engaged in preventing/ending civil wars; ended more through negotiationsince 90 than
in previous 200 years; developed expertise/learned hard lessons. As demand for UN blue
helmets grows, need to boost peacekeeper supply/avoid 90s worst failures. Rich states should
hastenefforts transforming existing forces for UN peace operations. UN must invest in
mediation/support peace agreement implementation. Demobilize combatants/reintegrate into
civil life; otherwise civil wars not successfully ended/other goals(democracy/justice/
development)remain unmet. Often innatl community lost focus if crisis high point
past/peacekeepers left. Propose UNSC create Peacekeeping Commission; to givestrategic focus
for work in states under stress/emerging from conflict. If prevention/peaceful resolution fails,
UN must be able to rely on force. Whatever reason: all states/UNSC should bear in mind basic
guidelines/questions: (1)Seriousness of threat: does it justify force?(2)Proper purpose: does
proposed force halt/avert threat?(3)Last resort: all non-military options explored/exhausted? (4)
Proportional means: force proposed minimum necessary?(5)Balance of consequences: clear
action not worse than inaction? No need to amend Art.51 of UN Charter: any state's right of
self-defence against armed attack/pre-emptive action against imminent threat. However if states
fear threats, neither imminent nor proximate, but which could culminate in horrific violence if left
to fester, UNSC already powered to act/must be prepared to take action earlier than past, when
asked/reliable evidence. Protection of civilians inside states long fraught with controversy. Yet
recognized more widely that question better framed, not as intervene-right but
protection-responsibility - borne first/foremost by states. Panel agreed principle of
non-intervention in internal affairs cannot protect committing genocide/large-scale ethnic
cleansing/othercomparable atrocities. I hope UN members agree/UNSC will act. UN(now nearly
60)born in very different time/world, so has under-appreciated record of adapting to new
dangers, e.g. peacekeeping in world's civil wars/response to attack of Sep 01. Clearly needs
far-reaching reform to prevent/respond to all current threats. Some propose via-UN collective
response too difficult/not necessary. But all anti-threat actions impact beyond immediate
context/all states benefit from shared global framework. Not mean UN needs to do everything.
It must learn of share burdens/welcome help from others/work with them. Already does so;
report recommends strengthened UN partnerships with regional organs/individual states. Great
attention: UNSC reform. Objectives: make UNSC more effective/authoritative. Permanent
membership devised(1945)to ensure active engagement of big powers to maintain
peace/security. New permanent members matter of controversy/debate. Two suggestions, both
expanding membership to 24; aim at: add those who contribute most to UN
financially/militarily/diplomatically; ensure UNSC represents UN as whole;not expand veto, which
would render decisions more difficult. Proposals offer chance breakthrough in year ahead. If
acted on, UNSC more representative/better equipped for decisive action. Need strengthened UN
secretariat that can support Peacebuilding Commission; implement UNSC/ committee decisions
better on peacekeeping/mediating civil wars. Report envisages more concerted-action
secretariat, with UNSGmore responsible for management/accountability. Equally important:
ECOSOC overhaul to strengthen role in social development/improving knowledge on
economic-social dimensions of security threats. Also, recommends Human Rights Commission
better defender of rights of all. After 60 years, once again findworld mired in disillusionment and
all too imperfect. Easy to stand at sidelines and criticise/talk endlessly about UN reform, but
world no longer has that luxury. Time to adapt collective security system so it works
efficiently/effectively/ equitably. Next year UN states reviewing progress on Millennium
Declaration; world leaders' summit in Sep. Appropriate moment to act on some of most
important recommendations in report.I will indicate which call for decisions at that level.
Fervently hope world leaders will rise to challenge. Have all lived through period of deep division
and sombre reflection. Must make 05 year of bold decision; all share responsibility for each
other's security. Let's summon courage to fulfil responsibility." Complete text of "A More Secure
World: Our Shared Responsibility" Report of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and
Change, plus initial comments by requester/addressee, UNSG Kofi Annan, can be read and even
copied(99pp Acrobat Reader)from Secretary General's part of UN file (www.un.org). Executive
Summary(8pp Acrobat)also available at same address. Capturing the 21st Century Security:
Prospects for Collective Responses(Oct 04)collects reports from six Stanley Foundation
conferences in 04 that dealt with UNSG panel. Report at http://reports.stanleyfoundation.org.
Council on Foreign Relations "Q&A: Reforming the United Nations" 01 Dec 04:-originally
available either by NYT>CFR>International>[title] or via CFR directly. This is expert interview with
Lee Feinstein who" has spearheaded Council work on the United Nations" and studied the
important UN report and its UNGA prospects.
"Anonymous"Imperial Hubris: Why the West Is Losing the War on Terror(DullesVA: Brassey's
04):-author is a senior US intelligence official with nearly 20 years experience in national security
issues related to Afghanistan and South Asia. This strong critique of arrogant US/allies' policies
towards Osama bin Laden/al Qaeda, and military action against Afghanistan/Iraq, proved quickly
influential in many respects, and advocates less US loyalty to Israel/corrupt Muslim regimes or
presence in Mideast. Motivation of Muslim terrorists is identified not as hatred/fear of Western
national systems but of their broadly negative actions against Islamic peoples. All complex
chapter titles: (1)Some Thoughts on the Power of Focused, Principled Hatred. (2) An Unprepared
and Ignorant Lunge to Defeat - The US in Afghanistan. (3) Not Down, Not Out: Al Qaeda's
Resiliency, Expansion, and Momentum. (4) The World's View of bin Laden: A Muslim Leader and
Hero Coming into Focus? (5) Bin Laden Views the World: Some Old, Some New, and a Twist. (6)
Blinding Hubris Abounding: Inflicting Defeat on Ourselves - Non-War, Leaks, and Missionary
Democracy. (7) When the Enemy Sets the Stage: How US's Stubborn Obtuseness Aids Its Foes.
(8) The Way Ahead: A Few Suggestions for Debate. Epilogue: No Basis for Optimism.
Clair Apodaca, Michael Stohl, George Lopez, "Moving Norms to Political Reality:
Institutionalizing Human Rights Standards through the United Nations System" (185-220)in The
Future of the United Nations System: Potential for the Twenty-First Century(New York: UN Univ.
98):-extremely useful study of UN human rights structures, treaties and activities, employing a
new sense that state legitimacy derives from internal order and regard for standards. Four main
UN purposes include promotion of human rights, set down in Universal Declaration(48)and
amplified in two International Covenants(76).All three now binding on all states. Many more
specific UN System treaties, with recent emphasis on Humanitarian Law.Growing human rights
roles of NGOs, High Commissioner and complex UN structures are explained.Reform proposals
involve structure, NGO protection and regional action.
Reza Aslan No god but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam(New York: Random
House 05):-The widely-read author defines his aim in the Prologue: "This book is not just critical
reexamination of the origins and evolution of Islam, nor is it merely an account of the current
struggle among Muslims to define the future of this magnificent yet misunderstood faith. This
book is, above all else, an argument for reform"(xx). William Grimes, in his New York Times 04
May 05 review, quotes the book:"What is taking place now in the Muslim world is an internal
conflict between Muslims, not an external battle between Islam and the West"(248). Grimes
himself argues: "[Islam's] history, grippingly narrated and thoughtfully examined, takes up nearly
all of 'No god but God'. Aslan... has written a literate, accessible introduction to Islam.,. carefully
placing its message/rituals in historical context. Complete with glossary/annotated bibliography,
it could easily serve as a college textbook". The 310-page book includes 21st century arguments:
"[T]he attacks of 11 Sep 01 were not a defensive strike against a specific act of aggression
against Islam. They were never sanctioned by a qualified mujtahid. They made no differentiation
between combatant/noncombatant.,. indiscriminately killed women, children, and approximately
200 Muslims. In other words, they fell far short of the regulations imposed by Muhammad for a
legitimate jihadi response, which is why, despite common perception in the West, they were so
roundly condemned by the vast majority of the world's Muslims"(87). "Tragic events of 11 Sep...
initiated a vibrant discourse among Muslims about meaning/message of Islam in 21st century...
It may be too early to know who will write the next chapter of Islam's story, but it is not too early
to recognize who will ultimately win the war between reform/counterreform... But the cleansing
inevitable, and tide of reform cannot be stopped. Islamic Reformation is already here"(266).
Associated Press "U.S. Troops in Asia Undergo Transformation"New York Times 16 Nov
05:-"North Korea's military power hasn't suddenly changed. It claims to have nukes and its
million-man army is ready to roll. China, meanwhile, is engaging as the new Asian military leader,
and terrorism is flaring upall over the region. But at US' s major Asian outposts, some serious
downsizing under way... US position isn't weakening, say officials and analysts; cutbacks will
be counterbalanced by improved equipment, organization and cooperation... In its biggest
reorganization in two decades, US will shed 12,500 of its32,500-strong force in Korea over next
3 years, reduce its number of bases by about 75% and hand overmajor elements of troops'
mission to their Korean counterparts, who will 'play larger and larger role', US Defense Secretary
said on recent Asia tour. Similar restructuring afoot in Japan, where nearly 50,000US troops are
stationed. US and Japan just agreed to most sweeping changes in deployments there..., plan
that... includes withdrawal of about 7,000 of 18,000 Marines on crowded island of Okinawa...
Ananalyst...says aim is to streamline, but not undermine, the alliance... Changes in Korea in line
with shifts now taking place within entire Army, moving toward combat teams 'smaller but fully
capable and fully lethal packages that can be deployed faster', said [chief of force development
and plans for 8th US Army in Korea]... By end of 2005, 8th Army will have shed 8,000 troops.
Another 3,500 will leave by 2008, along with 1,000 Air Force... Facing increased demands on its
own troops in Iraq/elsewhere, Washington pushing Seoul and Tokyo to assume bigger role in
regional security and in their own defense - and both appear willing... Under new accord... Japan
will defend itself, deal with such threats as ballistic missilesand commando attacks and invasion
of its own islands. US will deploy latest missile defense radar".
Associated Press"Bid to Give AIDS Drugs to Poor Nations Lag"NYT 28 Mar 06:-"UN's attempt
to put 3m HIV-infected people around the world on antiretroviral drugs by last year fell far short
of its goal, but itsaved hundreds of thousands of lives nonetheless, [WHO] said. So-called '3 by
5 program'- 3m people on antiretroviral drugs by end of 05 - was launched in Dec 03. However,
a progress report issued by WHOsaid only 1.3m people in poorer countries were being treated
at end of 05... Program helped lay groundwork for more ambitious goal of achieving nearly
universal access to medicine by 2010, set byleaders of G8 nations in 05... Some 3m people die
of AIDS each year, [Global AIDS Alliance exec.dir.] said, and WHO believes program averted
between 250,-350,000 deaths in 05... WHO report said world spent $8.3b on AIDS 05, up from
$4.7b in 03... Treatment in southern Africa, a focus of program, has risen sharply... Other regions
also of concern, such as India where large number of people infected andtreatment access still
very low. A general goal is to expand testing because most people who are HIV-positive don't
know it. Testing for children in particular needs to be more widespread so that infected
youngsters can be identified quickly and started on treatment, WHO AIDS director said. Health
workershave to act quickly because about half of AIDS-infected children die before age of 2".
Associated Press"AIDS Conference Ends With Appeals"New York Times 26 Apr
06:-"International AIDS conference [in Cape Town, of 1,000 scientists/researchers,] ended [26
Apr] with impassioned appeals to political/pharmaceutical industry leaders to fund development
of a virus-killing [vaginal] gel to protect women from the disease and so save millions of lives.
Peter Piot, head of UNAIDS,.. said safe/effective microbicides could be ready in 5-7 years, with
only minimal additional funding, and thus turn the dream of saving millions of lives into reality...
In the hard hit African countries, women account for nearly 60% of infections. Most are infected
through heterosexual intercourse... UNAIDS/WHO have long promotedmicrobicides as a
potentially valuable weapon in fight against the epidemic, not least because it allows women to
protect themselves without having to rely on partners who refuse to wear a condom or befaithful.
Yet despite this, research has proceeded slowly. [Piot] said investment in microbicide
development should be doubled - and even then would still only reach about US$150m per
year...Microbicides can take the form of a gel, cream, sponge or ring that releases an ingredient
that can kill or deactivate HIV during intercourse. There are currently five different products
being tested[, mainly in Africa on thousand of women]. Dozens of agents that could interrupt HIV
transmission have so far beenidentified. There are also hopes that the microbicides could be
used to prevent other sexually transmitteddiseases and unwanted pregnancies. One of the
products, cellulose sulphate, has the potential to bea contraceptive and shield against HIV...
Another microbicide, Carragard, coats vaginal cells and preventsthe virus from entering...Much
of funding for research comes from Gates Foundation and US government... Trying to dismiss
fears that microbicides would mainly be used in developing countries and therefore offer only
low profit margins, [ |