Copenhagen Consensus

The Economist is carrying some very interesting articles on global challenges and policies (some only online). Turns out that these are part of its engagement in the Copenhagen Consensus. The premise of the project is that the world is willing to spend money on solving global problems but needs help in prioritizing issues and projects in terms of costs and benefits.

For each of 10 global challenges, an author reviews a broad range of literature, data, and policy alternatives and suggests solutions. Each paper is critiqued by two 'opponents.' Finally, all 10 challenges are discussed by a panel of 9 experts on 24 - 28 May, 2004. And judging by the articles in the Economist, the discussions promise to be highly interesting. (A synthetic emerging market currency to reduce financial turbulence? Foreign 'imperial' intervention in civil wars as a cost-effective remedy? Stop throwing money at education?)

The Economist will be carrying more articles, and the CC website has its own newsletter. The results will be published in a book later this year.