What is needed, is a focus on specifics, a focus on the concrete strategies and drivers that are needed to achieve sustainable development. New technologies such as information and bio-technology w ill also be important in the next decade. Capacity building should also represent one of our key activities. The empowerment, from within, of developing countries, must become an imperative within our work. To participate fully in global processes, developing countries must build upon the skills and knowledge that are necessary to create their own prosperity.
Obscurity is probably the biggest obstacle to overcome.
The UNU is not so well known as a policy relevant institution and, as a consequence, countries and other organizations do not turn to us for advice as much as they should. This could change very rapidly and easily if we engage ourselves in relevant, user-oriented, research, and take this research to the right forums. As a whole, the IAS is already tuned in to many of these trends. Thanks to the former Director, we have many young and vibrant researchers who are working specifically in these areas. The VU Initiative, and the Iwate Environmental Information Network, for example, have been very active in exploring different ways of using the Internet.