Concerted effort needed

GOVERNMENTAL and non-governmental efforts to alleviate world crises like underdevelopment and poverty must join together, said Mrs Suzanne Mubarak this week, to ensure a world of better understanding, not as much conflict, and maximum opportunities for cooperation. The comments were part of Mubarak's keynote speech at the Inner Wheel's annual gathering of its worldwide districts. Mrs Mubarak described the prominent non-governmental orgainisation as a good example of the efforts undertaken by civil society to encourage ideals of personal service and foster international understanding.

With the world increasingly mired in natural disasters and wars, Mrs Mubarak stressed that peace was a prerequisite to sustainable economic and social development. If civil strife and regional conflicts persist, she argued, the most ambitious development plans will be wasted. Mrs Mubarak underlined civil society's role in helping people pursue their hopes and dreams, and offered successful examples of non-governmental efforts in Egypt and around the Arab world.