Development
What is the definition of ‘development’? I have been working with a ‘development’ NGO client this week and the CEO asked me and I must admit that I struggled.
He told me that the best definition he had come across was ‘security’. There are villages in the middle of DR Congo that are not touched by the war, that are not involved in tribal conflict, who are living sustainable and secure lives. They are as ‘developed’ as any developed economy.
Development is about global standardisation. Raising up those who are considered of a lower economic plane onto as relatively level playing field as possible. Security plays a large part.
Have you seen the Legatum Prosperity Ladder? http://www.legatum.com/ladder.aspx I heard that they were also doing a ‘Happiness Index’ relative to economic development. So, should happiness be part of development as well?
To NGOBody – I don’t understand what you mean by global standardisation. Surely a highly developed society would welcome difference and variety and not see development as only defined terms of economic wealth.