The University of Sussex based Institute for Development Studies has identified the following 8 hot topics to look out for in the development arena in 2008:-
- the US elections
- China and the Bejing Olympics
- The resurgence of the Conservative Party in the UK
- Climate change and the Bali roadmap
- PPP – purchasing power parity or patently persistent poverty?
- Power transitions in Africa
- The growing number of new philanthropists
- The battle of the grand narratives
This makes for fascinating reading for those interested in / working in the development sector and wanting to keep up to date with upcoming development trends.
Of particular interest is the references to the new philanthropists whose focus and approach is far different from that of the traditional large aid organisations. For example, talk of leverage, technology and actions not overly compromised by complexity, by Bill Gates at a Harvard graduation speech in 2007 bears reference.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which Bill Gates and his wife started in 2000 and is based in Washington and supports grantees in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Internationally, the Foundation offers support in more than 100 countries.
Total grant commitments since inception: $14.4 billion
Total 2006 grant payments: $1.56 billion
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