Forging a just global order - trade, development, political strategies

Does more development aid really lead to greater prosperity? what are the most promising new development aid instruments, and what exactly to do we mean when we talk about “fair development? These were the issues at hand when re-preventatives from Africa, Europe, America, and Asia gathered under the chairmanship of former German president Richard von Weizsacker and the moderation of Theo Sommer, editor-at-large of DIE ZEIT to discuss the issues of a just world order. What is just? In their exchange over a common understanding of justice, the participants agreed that peace and security are prerequisites for justice, that human rights are universal, and that in trade, protective tariffs and corruption spawn injustice There was doubt, however, on whether a global consensus on justice would be a realistic goal. In addition, some participants advised against seeking absolute justice in efforts to resolve political conflicts. Instead, said this camp, we should limit ourselves to compromises acceptable to all sides. Ideas and Instruments of Development Aid Policy: The objectives and problems of development aid have long been known. Why, then, the overbearing sense of stagnation? What new ideas and instruments promise fresh progress? All participants supported the principle of conditionality in development aid, saying that it was the only way to achieve real progress. It was also pointed out, however, that sometimes the industrialized countries fail to meet their own high standards. Some demanded concentration on the efforts of serious partnerships between state-and non-state development organizations, receivers, and the private sector. Such-public private partnerships said, are a highly promising instrument of development aid. Western participants placed their faith in free trade and open capital markets as the most effective means of achieving sustained development –a position sharply criticized by African representatives. Promoting private entrepreneurship in developing countries met with unanimous approval. The participants agreed that more was needed for this than applying just the principles of good governance; many also saw great potential mainly in the instrument of micro-credit. Security and Development: The search for justice, the participants said, could not be allowed to be sacrificed to demands for security, and stability. Justice, peace, and development are intrinsically joined, it was agreed.