2005 saw a series of commitments by rich and poor countries that could change the lives of a billion people around the world. How to make this happen is the central message of a new Government White Paper launched in July.

Eliminating world poverty: Making governance work for the poor, proposes a new plan for fighting poverty around the world, and argues that "good governance" is the key to successful development. Good governance, it argues, is about making sure that governments, politicians and institutions work in the interests of their citizens. And it is about tackling international causes of bad governance like money laundering and illegal trafficking.

The White Paper argues that improving access to essential public services like health, education, clean water and social security is needed both to improve people's lives, and to lay a strong foundation for creating the jobs and economic growth which will provide the long term route out of poverty.

But it warns that climate change poses a major threat to development, and that developing countries must be supported in adapting to its effects while having the freedom to pursue economic growth. The UK will push for an international agreement to stabilise greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and ensure that developing countries are involved in the negotiations.

It says that eliminating world poverty and coping with the challenges facing the world, also demands a better international system, including a reformed United Nations.

"Poor people in poor countries want the same things that we do here - they want to have a decent job, to meet their basic needs, to lead a fulfilled life, take good care of their children and have a role in their community and in society" said Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development. "This White Paper sets out how the UK will help them to achieve that. We all have a part to play, and the support of the UK public is essential."

With groups in the UK especially in mind, the White Paper proposes setting up a scheme for faith groups, community groups, local governments, business and charities to build links with developing countries. Opportunities for volunteering in developing countries will be expanded, and more internships will be set up for young people to get involved in the work of NGOs. Schools in the UK will also receive a boost - the Government will double its investment in development education, as it seeks to give every child in the UK the chance to learn about issues that shape their world.

Speeches, Letters, Blogs - Consulting on the White Paper

The consultation process in the run-up to the White Paper, included six speeches by Hilary Benn and press coverage in developing countries. It encouraged people to raise their concerns and suggest solutions to the challenges that development faces and over 600 submissions were received from around the world. And blogs on the Guardian Newspaper's website hosted live discussions for the public to air their views. Here's a sample of what people were blogging.

"There is a clear hypocrisy in arguing for free trade only in those things that suit us."

"Let's try something that works, like giving African countries a level playing field to sell their produce to us, even if they impose duties on our goods going the other way."

"It's easy to help Africa - do nothing! The only people who can really help the Africans are the Africans themselves."

"Supporting governments to fulfil their obligations to provide free basic services is one of the best ways that donors could contribute to building more effective states. It is a scandal that globally millions of children are still denied their right to an education because they are too poor to pay school fees. The UK should take a lead role in offering political and financial support to countries committed to getting rid of education charges."

"We need to stem the arms trade to Africa and compensate African health systems for the skilled staff that they have trained but who now work in the NHS."

"The donor community should pick the NGOs it works with very carefully, based on principles, achievements, transparency, accountability and how well they are a voice for the people."

The UK intends to achieve the aims in the White Paper by:

• Giving more help to fight corruption that affects the poor.
• Increasing the money the UK gives for public services like health and education to at least half of all direct UK aid for developing countries.
• Pushing for an overhaul of the UN and international development system, and a change in the way the heads of the World Bank and IMF are appointed.
• Concentrating aid from the UK on sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where most poor people live.
• Giving more help to countries suffering from wars, disasters or extreme poverty.
• Doubling UK funding for research by 2010 - to find solutions to problems like AIDS, malaria and climate change.