This year has become a critical one for for development issues. The international focus on Africa has caused many multinational companies, SABMiller included, to look more closely at their role in promoting development.

As at the recent G8 Summit in Gleneagles, the United Nation's 2005 World Summit, which begins today in New York, will focus heavily on development policies and poverty alleviation. Significant progress has undoubtedly been made during the course of this year. Important precedents have been set and there is a greater consensus between the developing and developed nations on what needs to be done.