Our counsel is for the IMF and World Bank to heed the call and wise counsel of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in all their well-considered ramifications. They better do.

The power of non-state actors and crusaders is reflected in the rise and rise of civil society. This can only be ignored at great cost, and to devastating ends. No CSO input, no true development!

Prediction: Mobilisation of the people to vote in more progressive and sensitive political leaders around the world. If Al Gore were US president last time, would the White House had ignored Kyoto with such disdain?! If Tony Blair were not British Prime Minister, would there have been Gleneagles?! Populist politicians will become presidents/prime ministers in more and more places in the new millennium. CSOs will ensure this because of the arrogance and distance of government and big business.

Prediction: There will be more Carters, Turners, Gorbachevs, Mandelas, Clintons, Gates, Bonos, Oprahs, Soros',Trusts and Foundations in the years ahead. And surely more Non Governmental Individuals, NGIs, with outstanding credentials and formidable competences. It will be fun!

Suggestion: Gordon Brown should rally like-minded players to get the Bretton Woods tigers to listen and change, or... It is time to support the Global Call for Action Against Poverty, GCAP, at their level....passionately, pragmatically, proactively and promptly.

The Singapore show-down with CSOs was shameful. We call for amends.