Nanotechnology has great potential for helping solve some of the world's most critical problems, such as environmental degradation, energy challenges, shortages of clean water and food, and pandemic diseases. Increased international collaboration on technological innovation will both help to advance our understanding in these areas, and lessen inequality between the global North and South.

Emerging Technologies/Emerging Economies (Nano Equity 2009), an international conference to be held in Washington, D.C., November 4-6, 2009, is a joint effort between CNS and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (which will host the conference). It will convene leaders from NGOs, government, the private sector, science and technology, and academia, to discuss new pathways for technology-based solutions to problems in four inter-related areas: energy/environment, water, food security, and health. Participants will come from the United States, Europe, and Japan; three of the largest emerging economies (China, India, and Brazil); and other developing countries.

For more information, visit the Nano Equity 2009 website.