Today's problems require action at both the national and global levels. To address challenges such as the AIDS crisis and the destructiveness
of the international narcotics trade, University for a Night participants called for new, broad-based action partnerships and for an expanded use of science and technology to help make a better world.

Level the playing field in international trade by sharing information through the Internet and other advanced technologies. Knowledge is a key component of business success. Today the Internet and related technologies are providing means for a wider set of businesses to succeed in international trade. Producers and consumers of all sizes can have access to price, demand and technical information that previously was available only to large corporations and governments. Moreover, economic actors of all sizes can build direct relationships over the Internet. Initiatives should be created to provide Internet access and training to micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses, especially those in developing countries.
Examples of groups working on this issue include:
Americas Information Gateway System, Bloomberg, L.P., Institute for International Economics, Inter-American Development Bank, Reuters, World Chambers of Commerce Network

Mobilize science and policy action on a global scale to create the tools necessary to end AIDS. The scope of the AIDS crisis - both in human terms and in the medical and scientific challenge of defeating the virus - demand cooperation at a global scale. Massive effort must be taken to create preventive and curative solutions such as female microbiocides, better barrier methods and an AIDS vaccine and to ensure that these solutions are widely available. At the same time, emphasis must be placed on strengthening and scaling up the actions of existing institutions - including scientific, health care, social service
and educational institutions, governments, international donors and private corporations - that are addressing the crisis and its causes.
Examples of groups working on this issue include: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Canadian International Development Agency, Ford Foundation, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS, The Rockefeller Foundation, World Health Organization

Organize United Nations programs around thematic lines. Coordination of diverse agencies in the UN system is essential to making the most use of limited international resources.
Inter-agency cooperation on thematic issues such as land mines has proven effective and should be expanded. This approach will not only make best use of the UN's capacity, but also make it easier for other groups - such as nongovernmental organizations and businesses - to identify how to work with
the UN.
Examples of groups working on this issue include: United Nations Development Programme, United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Secretariat, United Nations Foundation

Place greater legal controls on the arms trade and tie international assistance to reduced military spending. At the national and local level, military spending too often competes with spending for needed infrastructure and social programs. At the international level, strong controls of the arms trade can help diffuse deadly local and regional conflicts, which contribute to breakdowns of society and suffering.
 
Examples of groups working on this issue include: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, International Peace Academy, International Development Research Centre

Reform the international financial institutions to incorporate much stronger consultation with people that are affected by their policies. Without such consultation, development programs will rarely be responsive to local needs. National governments - particularly finance ministries - must also make their decision-making processes more open to their own citizens.
Examples of groups working on this issue include: Bank Information Center, Bread for the World, Center of Concern, Friends of the Earth

Cancel the debt of the poorest countries. The tremendous burden of public and private international debt undermines the economic growth of about two dozen African, Asian and Latin American nations. International mechanisms to eliminate that debt must be designed with terms that promote broad-based economic growth and ensure basic social services for the neediest people in those countries.
Examples of groups working on this issue include: International Monetary Fund, Jubilee USA Network, RESULTS, The World Bank

Reform tax codes so that governments have sufficient resources to provide needed services while business is able to flourish. Raising sufficient financing for social programs is a difficult challenge to many governments. At the same time, business investment can be inhibited by high taxation, or the threat of it. One answer is more efficient tax collection. Technical support
to governments by international agencies can assist in this.
Examples of groups working on this issue include: Economic Strategy Institute, World Legal Forum

 
 

Report Contents	Chair & President's Letter	Plenary Remarks	Recommendations	Synergos
Sponsors	Table Topics & Faculty	Organizations	About University for a Night