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

Crucial development opportunities may be lost without committed science ministers.

Science can help design strategies to tackle malnutrition. The challenge is turning this knowledge into action.

Journalists and scientists must guard against policymakers using science to legitimise pre-chosen and politically-motivated policies.

Science and technology can contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of tropical cyclones.

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

Washington should use the new wave of optimism for science to drive policy-making rather than to boost political agendas.

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

Developing countries need economic stability and social inclusion to develop — both of which are in jeopardy in Kenya and Pakistan as 2008 dawns.

The world must not miss its second chance to take a radically different approach to energy consumption.

Europe's recent bid to attract more skilled workers underlines developing countries' need for greater – not less – investment in their intellectual capital.

Universities in developing countries should ditch the 'ivory tower' legacy of colonialism and enhance their links with the world outside.

The fight against biopiracy must embrace both legitimate science and social justice if biodiversity itself is not to suffer.

Improving scientific literacy in developing countries' parliaments would boost sustainable development.

At its global summit next week the G8 needs to build on the work of its predecessors, putting science and technology back at the heart of the international aid agenda.

The row over the World Bank president's behaviour reinforces the need to safeguard its lending policies from ideological pressure.

All members of the media must work together to ensure sustainable development is given the attention it deserves.

The work of science journalists needs greater recognition as an essential precondition for transparent, responsive and accountable government.

Journalists have a key role to play in informing the public about tuberculosis and bringing key issues to the attention of policymakers.

Pressure is growing for a major shift in international intellectual property rules that addresses the interests of the poor.