A new intergovernmental panel would not be the best way of tackling the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development.

Millennium Science Initiative funding has produced an impressive range of projects in Uganda. The government is wrong to bring it to an end.

Crucial development opportunities may be lost without committed science ministers.

African countries now have a snapshot of their science spending. They should use it to improve policy and address development priorities.

The UN organisation with responsibility for science should embrace its role in tackling poverty — not keep it at arm's length.

Brazil must ensure its support for science becomes long-term commitment, not one restricted to the mandate of a particular government.

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Even focused research will not deliver agricultural progress unless donors also help join up links in the development chain.

Harmonising 'science for development' funding would make science aid more effective, benefiting both donors and recipients.

New figures on research spending show that the gap between rich and poor countries is closing — but not fast enough.

Will UNESCO's likely new head have the vision to deliver much-needed change in the organisation — especially in its science programmes?

More agricultural research funding and a farmer-centred approach to boosting food production are needed to prevent future food emergencies.

This week's G20 summit in London must ensure that any solution to the global financial crisis also commits to sustainable economic growth.

Japan is the latest country to give scientific cooperation with developing countries a higher profile in its foreign aid policies.

Commodity price rises are no substitute for long-term investment in infrastructure and capacity as a means of securing sustained development.

More efforts are needed to hold the leaders of the G8 nations to commitments made at their annual summit meetings.

African ministers have committed themselves to a set of actions to boost health research in their countries. Now they must implement them.

An evaluation of Dutch-funded research programmes in developing countries raises questions about the concept of local "ownership".

Bill and Melinda Gates' forays into aid are to be welcomed, but they can only succeed alongside government involvement.

Delay in the implementation of Africa's plan of action for science and technology suggests commitment to act does not yet go deep enough.