We are still in the early stages of the current war, but the World Bank has helpfully estimated the cost of eventually reconstructing (or maybe constructing would be a better term) the Afghan economy. It will exceed the $5.4 billion pledged for four years of reconstruction in Bosnia. According to the bank, landmine clearance alone could total $500 million.
The World Bank, the United Nations Development Program and the Asian Development Bank are holding a conference on Afghanistan’s reconstruction at the end of this month in Islamabad.
Another Davos regular has written to me with a different perspective on the move of Davos to New York. He says it’s “a wonderful signal to the world”. I hope people take it in that spirit.
On worries that the Annual Meeting just won’t be the same, another friend sensibly takes the view that what matters is not the venue, but whether the Forum can “rise” to the extraordinary situation in the world today. If it can � and over the years, few organisations have been as good at rising to the occasion � then Davos 2002 will be vital, wherever it is held.