Editorial

Apparently, the world is now recovering from the global economic meltdown as jobs are being created and economic institutions are regaining their strength.  It is, therefore vital that the plight of the developing nations be considered to avoid the conditions that resulted to the global economic downturn.

The old division of the world into north and south or into the first, second and third worlds is not helpful in meeting the growing challenges facing the world. There is need to introduce a new set up that will bring together states as partners of development co-operation, in order to promote fair international economic transactions . Two conditions must be satisfied before international economic exchange can be beneficial for all involved.  The sustainability of the ecosystem on which the global economy depends must be guaranteed; and the economic partners must be satisfied that the basis of exchange is equitable.

Relationships that are unequal and based on dominance of one kind or another are not a sound and durable basis for interdependence. Unfortunately, the rapid growth of economic and ecological links between nations has widened the impact of the growing inequalities in the economic development and strength of nations. The asymmetry in international economic relations compounds the imbalance, as developing nations are generally influenced but unable to influence international economic conditions. Such conditions have to be revisited.

 The developing nations bear the brunt of the global economic crisis and are the hardest hit by climate change and global warming.  Yet they contribute the least to causes of such problems. It is therefore high time that the developing nations are given the equal opportunity and access in the international arena.  It is only equal involvement that can lead us to victory in our fight against poverty and all the vices that accompany underdevelopment.