saster preparedness. The International Federation assists governments in responding todisasters, and reduces vulnerability by building local capacity for preparedness. A majorchallenge remains to be addressed. What does globalization mean to countries in almost permanent crisis, conflict, civil war, or for failed states? It is difficult to preach theadvantages of globalization to the citizens of countries like the Sudan, the Democratic Republicof Congo, Somalia, Afghanistan, Tajikistan. We all know that peace, security and politicalstability are prerequisites for a sound economy. No strategies have yet emerged to help thesecountries reap any benefits from globalisation. This week in Afghanistan for instance we areassisting with other partners in vaccinating thousands of children against polio which has beeneradicated in most other parts of the world. The basic requirements for human development arenot yet in place in many of these countries. A stronger global commitment to conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peace building isneeded. We were encouraged by the Brahimi report, that sets out how the UN`s contribution in this area can be strengthened. Humanitarian actors should promote sustainable peace through a strong focus on post-conflict reconstruction, and programmes to facilitate demobilisation and reintegration. "4....
