In the mid-seventies, the "New Economic Order" offered hope to many developing nations and their people. The promise was that capacity development of countries and people in the third world, especially in the less developed countries, would occur. Programs would focus on improving equity and fostering social justice. Several development programs of technical cooperation among Developing Countries, South-South Cooperation, and North-South Cooperation, were envisioned; expectations for the "New Economic Order" were high. Unfortunately, much of the promise remains unfulfilled: significant change requires the serious commitment of world leaders, including those in developing countries. With such a commitment, we might now have a different world with major problems solved, gaps diminished, and many conflicts prevented or resolved. As an example, the Alma-Ata Declaration was a landmark in health, rallying massive support and political commitment worldwide. However, as of today, the painful fact is that most LDCs have not met a single goal in Health For All.

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