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A strong state reinforces investment yield, whether this results from public or private sector investment. Th e development needs of a weak state must diff er from those of a strong state. Th e fragile states of the Pacifi c are not the dynamic societies of Asia.1 Th ese may sound like obvious statements but the special needs of Pacifi c fragile states have not been apparent in earlier approaches to development in the Pacifi c region. Current Asian Development Bank (ADB) regional and country strategies and programs diff er from those of earlier years. Emphasis on maintaining project loan portfolios has been lessened and replaced by an emphasis on strengthening state operations, including testing and strengthening the demand for reform, and engaging civil society in development decisions. Th e shift is toward greater participation in development with the aim of building demand for good governance and reform to support performance-oriented delivery of public and private goods and services.

Ozone, composed of three molecules of oxygen bonded together, forms a protective barrier in the Earth's upper atmosphere. The greatest concentration of ozone molecules, about 90 percent of all found on the planet, is found about 15 miles (25 km) above the Earth's surface in the stratosphere. This concentration is what scientists refer to as the ozone layer. Ozone shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages all living things on the planet.

This report presents the initial action undertaken by UNEP immediately following the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip in January 2009, and summarizes the scientific findings of the complex assessment process carried out by UNEP during the spring and early summer of 2009. Recommendations are provided for the remediation of environmental damage caused by the recent escalation of hostilities, as well as for longer-term improvement of the environment in the Gaza Strip.

The Government of Kiribati emphasizes the need for improving the economy of the outer islands, particularly Kiritimati (Christmas) Island. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has therefore included a technical assistance (TA) for Implementation of Population Policy and a Land Development Program in its country strategy and program update 2006–2007.1 The TA Fact-Finding Mission visited Kiribati (Kiritimati Island and Tarawa) from 16 to 30 August 2006 and discussed with government officials the objectives and scope, implementation arrangements, and outline of general terms of reference of the TA.