*{What Is Required for Further Global Progress? [http://www.weforum.org/site/knowledgenavigator.nsf/Content/What%20Is%20Required%20for%20Further%20Global%20Progress%3F?open&topic_id=300350000&theme_id=300]

            31.01.1999

            Annual Meeting 1999}

            *partie=titre Need no stuff, give it away *partie=nil

            The private sector needs to become more involved in philanthropy for the benefit of humankind instead of focusing on personal greed, said Ted Turner, Vice-Chairman of Time Warner Inc., USA. "Such huge fortunes have been made that it boggles the mind. I keep hearing how people say they're going to give it away when they die. So if you're going to give it away when you die, why don't you die sooner?" added Turner in a light jibe against wealthy people who refuse to indulge in philanthropy similar to his own.

            The founder of CNN spoke of his involvement in humanitarian and development issues with the creation of the United Nations Foundation, based on a personal donation of US$ 1 billion over ten years. "Somebody's got to get the old ball rolling," he said. "The private sector needs to be with us. The future of humanity depends on us taking the right action now." Asked why some cultures do not include philanthropy, Turner noted that every religion encourages charity. Rich people who do not give away their money should read a book about a man called Scrooge, he said, referring to the Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol.

            Turner explained his support of the UN system by noting that the world had edged away from World War III largely due to the United Nations. "It allowed people to talk. When communication breaks down, then wars usually start. That's why I love and revere the UN." Describing the UN as the most idealistic organization that exists, he pointed out that issues such as human rights, land mines, education and children's health are all part of the UN agenda. Unfortunately, he added, the international community has not committed sufficient resources to its work.

            Turner criticized the United States for not paying its agreed upon dues to the UN: "I was absolutely appalled," he said. Stressing the need for more support for family planning, Turner lambasted the US position of withholding funding because of the UN's activities for birth control. Turner added that he had started the UN Foundation in order to pressure the US but also to encourage private corporations and individuals to contribute.

            Turner said the world now needs to tackle problems such as population growth. "A problem recognized is a problem half solved," he observed. Turner argued strongly for a more equitable economic system that does not erect barriers to prevent the poorest of the poor from earning a living. He said that the information revolution, which has replaced the industrial revolution, is now being superseded by a sustainability revolution. "We need to revise our economic scoring system," he argued. One cannot simply cut down forests saying that it will improve GDP. One needs to include the environmental factors. If not, then one is destroying more than one gains, he said. "We need to use our oceans and forests in a sustainable way."

            Answering questions, Turner observed that the UN Foundation is available to anyone wishing to contribute, or they can use its structure to establish their own. He noted that the funds do not go to the UN per se, but go directly to projects and organizations operating in the field. He added that his organization will also operate with low overhead to ensure that as much funding as possible goes to where it is needed.
                       *{Contributors:       Chalker of Wallasey Lynda
                  Turner Ted}