 
 An Electronic Journal of the U.S. Department of State April 2002 Volume 7, Number 1 From the Editors | Focus | Commentary | Resources | Masthead (Download Adobe Acrobat version | zipped ASCII version) From the EditorsThis journal is about sustainable development*, specifically the strategies and responsibilities that the United States government believes are critical if we are to fulfill the hopes for a decent life for the world's poorest people. The U.S. government believes that developed nations have a responsibility to provide the people of developing nations with the tools they need to seize the opportunities of the global economy -- opportunities that come from international aid, foreign investment, domestic capital, and trade. To use those tools effectively, however, developing nations need to adopt political, legal, and economic policies that make development successful. Too often vital resources, sometimes made available with the help of other nations, are lost to the developing countries. Roads that should make market access possible for agricultural entrepreneurs are not completed, succumbing to inadequate financial planning or the diversion of funding. An ambitious plan to provide potable water founders when a change of administration alters the political priorities that shape budget decisions. International development experts, too, must make better use of resources. Projects must be respectful of environmental interests and the realities of the market while not encumbering the developing nations with overwhelming debt. We can and must do better. This August's World Summit on Sustainable Development offers great promise because so many of the critical actors in the development process are dedicated to working as a world community to address the challenges ahead. *Sustainable Development, as defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission), is "the capacity to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Development needs are now understood to go beyond economic issues to encompass the full range of social and political issues that define the overall quality of life.
FocusA New Compact for Development in the Battle Against World Poverty The World Summit on Sustainable Development: Beginning a New Chapter in Sustainable Development History Foreign Assistance Builds a Foundation for Sustainability CommentaryPerspectives on Development Sustainable Development: Lessons Learned and Challenges Ahead Environmental Architect Celebrates Abundance, Conserving Biological Diversity, Natural Wonder ResourcesBibliography Selected Internet Resources
Global Issues Publisher Judith S. Siegel; Editor William Peters; Managing Editor Jim Fuller; Text Editor Charlene Porter; Internet Editor Tim Brown; Associate Editors Deborah Brown, Patrick Mendis, Wayne Hall; Reference and Research Joan Taylor, Lynne Scheib; Art Director Chloe Ellis; Graphics Assistant Sylvia Scott; Editorial Board George Clack, Judith S. Siegel, Leonardo Williams The Office of International Information Programs of the U.S. Department of State provides products and services that explain U.S. policies, society, and values to foreign audiences. The Office publishes five electronic journals that examine major issues facing the United States and the international community. The journals -- Economic Perspectives, Global Issues, Issues of Democracy, U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda, and U.S. Society and Values -- provide statements of U.S. policy together with analysis, commentary, and background information in their respective thematic areas. All issues appear in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish language versions, and selected issues also appear in Arabic and Russian. English-language issues appear at approximately a one-month interval. Translated versions normally follow the English original by two to four weeks. The opinions expressed in the journals do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. government. The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility for the content and continued accessibility of Internet sites linked to herein; such responsibility resides solely with the publishers of those sites. Articles may be reproduced and translated outside the United States unless the articles carry explicit copyright restrictions on such use. Potential users of credited photos are obliged to clear such use with said source. Current or back issues of the journals, and the roster of upcoming journals, can be found on the Office of International Information Programs' International Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/. They are available in several electronic formats to facilitate viewing online, transferring, downloading, and printing. Comments are welcome at your local U.S. Embassy or at the editorial offices:
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