Talking grants

For the first time, the Group of 77 (g-77) -- the caucus of developing countries -- discussed a South-South strategy for science and technology at a meeting held in Dubai. The delegates were unanimous in their opinion that the group should form a trust fund to promote scientific knowledge and technology in the developing world.

Another recommendation pertained to the creation of a network to link Southern research and development institutions. The final declaration urged g-77 governments to increase funding for education, science and technology. In addition to this, the international community was urged to provide new and additional resources to enable the South to make progress in the field.