27.9.05

Paul Wolfowitz e o desenvolvimento económico

We know that sustained economic growth is essential for development and reducing poverty. And, we also know that many of the drivers are not measurable in numerical terms. Because they are harder to measure, harder to predict and often harder to influence, there is a tendency to discount these factors as "soft".

That would be a mistake, because sustainable development depends as much on leadership and accountability, on civil society and women, on the private sector and on the rule of law, as it does on labour or capital. Perhaps the most important determinant for reducing poverty is leadership. And institutions of accountability such as civil society and a free press can help leaders listen, help to hold them accountable for results, and expose corruption.