countries, to ensure a proper balance of development among regions, he said. Official development assistance must be increased and meet the targets set at international conferences. There could also be new and innovative sources of financing. The General Assembly at its fifty-sixth session had adopted a resolution establishing the World Solidarity Fund, to be financed by voluntary contributions from governments, civil society and the private sector. Now was the time for the Fund to start working.

Tunisia, he said, was ready to share its experiences on handling assistance, on how to better manage and utilize resources, and how to involve the private sector more in growth. International trade was a real catalyst in reducing poverty. The international community, within the WTO negotiations, must ensure that trade could play itsfull part in promoting economic growth and development for all. In 2005, Tunisia would host the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society, which should offer up new opportunities for international cooperation in the area of development. The Summit was expected to adopt a plan of action so that all countries could benefit from the digital revolution.

ANDREW NATSIOS, Administrator of the Agency for International Development of the United States, stressed that achieving the Millennium Goals was not just about mobilizing ODA, but also increasing its effectiveness and sustainability. Countries that had proven their commitment to change -– by governing justly, investing in their people, and maintaining policies and institutions supporting market-led growth -- would receive billions of dollars from the Millennium Challenge Corporation in coming