In 2008, the world watched as commodity prices soared to new highs — causing an oil shock in the United States and food riots in the developing world — then abruptly plummeted. Deflating prices and decreased demand caused its own set of woes in supplier nations. But whether prices are high or low, the competition for resources never stops. The demand for metals, oil and agricultural products will only increase as emerging markets continue to grow. Some of these much-needed resources are found and produced in politically unstable regions, adding to the unpredictability of the global battle over commodities. How should countries prepare themselves for scarcity? What are the implications of this global competition for resources on multilateral relationships and geopolitics? Where are commodity prices headed over the next decade, as the global economy recovers from the current slowdown? The panelists engaged in a lively discussion on policies and investment strategies.
Global Conference 2013
Former Prime Minister Tony Blair, philanthropist Bill Gates and Strive Masiyiwa of Econet Wireless discuss advancing prosperity in Africa.
