The diagnosis seems correct but the proposed solution is unrealistic. The main problem in countries like Congo is the lack of rule of law. In such countries a Natural Resource Charter won't work because it will never be enforced or will be administered corruptly.

Even in Australia, the bounty which flows from our mineral riches, largely flows into the hands of a few entrepreneurs, in spite of the government trying to extract some of it.

As Bren has rightly observed, the chances of any benefits flowing to the poor in undeveloped countries are very slim indeed because of the greed of both the corrupt administrations and the mining companies.

David

Transparency is great. Any efforts towards it should be encouraged. I have long prayed that something would be done about the issues mentioned in this article. I pray big prayers. Ever since I heard about the activities of the group Transparency International. Blessings on those who are working to be a blessing to others.. be encouraged and go your hardest!

Sharan, your prayers are wasted on the godless.

David

With public intellectuals of the calibre of Dr. Andrew Leigh entering federal parliament at the last election, Australia has an even better chance to rethink and improve its approach to development assistance.

The resources course can indeed be turned into a blessing through collective impact involving partnerships between donor and recipient nations facilitated by innovative diasporas, business and the not for profit sector. The massive elimination of poverty in India and China in the last two-three decades shows how much can be achieved when innovation, fresh thinking and new business practices are used to improve the lives of the poor.

Australia can make a significant contribution to helping developing nations harness their natural resources in a sustainable and equitable way by sharing its governance systems, research and knowledge transfer capabilities using web 2.0 and other technologies.

Macedonian advocacy, what makes you think that the lives of the poor have changed in China. The corruption of officials at the village level and the crackdown on any form of dissidence by the Communist party, are keeping those who live away from the centers of prosperity pretty much the same as they always were. As in our own country, the rich get richer while the poor get poorer and any aid which is given by well meaning countries gets very unevenly distributed.

David