Help shape UK int'l development policy

The UK's Department for International Development (DFID) wants to hear from you as it writes a new plan of action for the next five years. Much was achieved in 2005. The United Nations, G8, European Union, African Union and others made commitments to deliver more and better aid worth an extra $50 billion per year, as well as debt relief for 32 countries worth $55 billion, fairer trade and better governance.

But although progress has been made, there is much work to be done. As Tony Blair, the UK Prime Minister said after the G8 summit, when the world's eight richest countries met to discuss international development this isn't the end of world poverty, but it might be the beginning of the end.

What we need now is action. We want to ensure commitments are delivered. Donors must follow through on the increased financing they have promised, and developing countries must use it in the best interests of their citizens.

To ensure our plan, which is called the new White Paper on International Development, is as effective as it can be, we need your help. You understand the issues - for example how to guarantee access to clean waters, how to give all children the schooling they deserve, how to provide mothers with the healthcare they need, how to tackle corruption.

So what are the solutions? DFID is inviting people to email or write in with their opinions on what it sees as some of the main challenges:

Firstly, how can the UK Government work with countries like Bangladesh to accelerate development and reduce poverty? For example, how should foreign aid money be used by the Bangladesh government? Should aid be provided direct to the Government or through local groups such as faith-based organisations and NGOs? What is the right balance and why?

Secondly, international development is about more than just aid money. The UK Government recognises the impact of other policies on developing countries - development needs a global environment that supports rather than undermines it. So what policies are needed in the UK and internationally to tackle corruption for example, or to ensure that the international trading system works for Bangladesh?

Thirdly, how can the international development system as a whole, made up as it is of a vast number of different agencies such as the United Nations, European Union, World Bank, be reformed so that it delivers better results for development, and is more responsive to the needs of poor people in Bangladesh and other countries?

Let's work together to end poverty. Have your say.

Hilary Benn is UK Secretary of State for International Development.