Development cooperation in the 21st century: past experiences

International Symposium
8 December 1999
Basel, Switzerland

Background

As we approach the end of the twentieth century, the time is ripe to reflect on the lessons of development cooperation over the last 50 years and to draw some conclusions for the first part of the next century.

In the year 2000, more than four-fifths of the people of the world will be living in developing countries. The role of Africa, Asia and Latin America in preserving peace and stability, expanding the global economy, combating poverty, increasing choices and opportunities and respect for human rights, and achieving sustainable environmental and population balances will be more significant than ever before.

Therefore: Development cooperation matters, and it has to be sustainable. But what kind of development cooperation?