Wangari Maathai writes about Africa's untapped potential for sustainable progress:

One cannot build democracy in order later to manage resources sustainably and create peace. Managing resources accountably and responsibly, and sharing them more equitably, are essential to nurturing a culture of peace. This in turn is possible only if there is adequate democratic space for everybody; space where the rule of law and the rights of all, including the weak and vulnerable, are respected.

It might seem crazy to say this a day after the London attack, but: We are living in an era full of amazing potential, when women like Maathai are not only making the connections between peace, democracy and sustainability, but gaining the world's ears for doing it.

Posted by: Emily Gertz on July 8, 2005 9:01 AM