Governments in Asian countries have been responding to the global crisis with stronger social policies. The economy should benefit.

The wave of natural disasters that swept the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions in recent weeks has left a heavy human and economic toll. Thousands have perished, lives and communities have been shattered. Could some of this have been avoided, or the toll reduced? We have been here before, notably following the tsunami that struck southern Asia and the east coast of Africa in 2004. The latest tsunamis, typhoons and earthquakes are tragic reminders of how vulnerable some human settlements are, and underline the importance of integrating disaster risk into development practices.

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice shakes hands with OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría at the launch of a new multilateral initiative called the Partnership for Democratic Governance (PDG).The new initiative is designed to assist those developing countries that need help to improve governance, strengthen capacity and accountability, and deliver the services that are essential supports of effective government.