Jim Kolbe
Development, Democracy, and Security
Rather than focusing on the view of development in poor countries as a route primarily for the security of the developed world, the Taskforce focused on the relationship between development, democracy, and security in developing countries themselves. Security goes far beyond issues of war or peace to encompass the “human security” that protects the poor against violence and conflict, ill health and disability, natural disasters, and economic shocks. It is also strongly linked to economic growth. Developed countries also have a vital stake in improving the security, stability and prosperity of developing countries, both because it is likely to reduce potential causes of conflict, criminality and terrorism, as well as create increased demand for legitimate economic goods and services from developed countries. The Taskforce reviewed the situation of various security challenges, such as fragile states, pre- and post-conflict states, and potential conflict over resources. The Taskforce also addressed the relationship between democracy and development. A focus on improved governance, long-term direct support for democracy, and multinational approaches were all considered. Robust institutions, active civil society, checks and balances and the rule of law are all favorable factors to achieve sustainable economic growth and establish functioning democracies.
Challenge Members:
- Jean-Michel Severino (Lead Coordinator, France) is the Chief Executive of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) since 2001. Upon graduating from the Ecole Nationale d’Administration, he worked as Director for International Development at the French Ministry of Cooperation. He then served as Director for Central Europe and Vice President for Asia at the World Bank.
- J. Brian Atwood (United States) is the Dean of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. He served for six years as Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and was Under Secretary of State for Management during the Administration of President William Clinton. He also served on the Secretary General's panel on UN peace operations in 2001-02.
- Robert Greenhill (Canada) joined the World Economic Forum as Chief Business Officer in August 2008. Prior to that, he was President of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), a post he held since May 2005. Focusing full-time on international public policy, Mr. Greenhill joined the International Development Research Centre as Senior Visiting Executive in 2004.
- Mark Lowcock (United Kingdom) is one of the five executives on the DfID Management Board. He was appointed Director General, Country Programmes in April 2008 and is responsible for DfID’s programmes in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Latin America with an annual budget of £2.7 billion, managed by 1500 staff in over 50 countries. He is a qualified accountant.
- Olivier Ray (France) works with Jean-Michel Severino at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), helping him with research and publications. Before joining AFD he worked for the United Nation’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Security Council Report, on questions of development, conflict prevention and post-conflict recovery.
- Scott Spangler (United States) served as Assistant Administrator for Africa and subsequently as Associate Administrator of USAID in 1990-92. He served as Acting USAID Administrator for the latter part of 1992. Recently, he was majority owner and Chairman of the Board of Chemonics International and was formerly Vice-Chairman of Save the Children USA.
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