1. Innovation is key to achieving the MDGs. Viravaidya explained how Thailand undertook a huge marketing campaign for condom use. From condom balloon blowing competitions to cops distributing condoms in traffic for the "cops and rubbers" campaign, Thailand was able to use innovation to bring down population growth dramatically and then undertake efforts to decrease child mortality. Using innovative ideas from other sectors, like Coca-Cola, can bring new life to development.
2. Local focus is a necessity. Whether it was Rosling dissociating Africa data to show large progress in Kenya and stagnancy in DR Congo in lowering infant mortality or Gates explaining how to use local, entrepreneurial talent to spread health information, without involving the local people money will be wasted and efforts will be fruitless.
3. Focus should be long-term. Viravaidya's story of Thailand spanned 30 years. Rosling explained the progress seen when looking at data long term. That is to say, we should not be discouraged if this year (or the past five) have not been as productive as we wanted in development. The yield of investments will come in a few years and be dramatic.
4. Women are central to development. Machel said that without putting women and children at the center, MDGs will never be achieved. Women and children are the locus of change in societies and can mobilize community groups, social change, and education.
-Erica Stetz
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