Globalization and scientific advances are reshaping the debate over environment and development policy and will merit attention at next year's Rio Plus 10 Earth Summit, according to a senior World Bank official.

For policymakers like Ian Johnson, the bank's vice president and head of its Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development Network, this key international gathering is approaching fast.

"Rio Plus 10 needs to look at the new agenda and what factors have shaped (it) in probably the last 10 years," Johnson said during a recent interview.

In addition to usual issues like climate change and biodiversity, which stole the spotlight at the 1992 U.N.-sponsored Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, new and difficult topics are dotting the horizon.

"I think (the meeting) has to acknowledge that the world has changed and that globalization and communications are offering unparalleled opportunities if handled properly," Johnson said.

Questions such as who decides how and to what extent new biotechnology, such as genetically modified organisms, are introduced is one example.

"We could sit here in Tokyo or in Washington and say we do not like the risk that GMOs pose to society, that we will not touch GMOs in that context," he said.

But those who are malnourished and afflicted by famine may have a different take on the issue than that of decision makers in advanced countries.

"If you then do not allow that same choice to be made by poor people in poor countries who really do suffer, then I think there is a sort of an asymmetry of risk. There has got to be a public debate" about the costs and benefits of such controversial issues born out of scientific and technological progress, he said.

"There is a sense that there is great promise for science and technology," accompanied by "great angst and a sense of threat," Johnson said. "I think that at Rio (Plus 10) the issue of science and technology will be more focused."

In addition, the World Bank official said that over the past decade, policymaking has changed to include a more diverse mix of participants.

Nongovernment organizations have attained a more powerful presence, and society's desire to participate in the debate and ensuing decision-making will also be felt at Rio Plus 10, Johnson predicted.

"(The 1992 Earth Summit) made the case that you have to bring those other than government together. While it was very much an intergovernmental process, there was a real sense of bringing others to the table."

The significance of this shift has not been lost on the World Bank, Johnson said, noting that it is currently rethinking its agricultural and environmental strategy programs through a process that brings more parties together, he said.

"We felt 10 or 20 years ago that government was our sole client. Now we are much more engaged in discussions with stakeholders, NGOs, community organizations and the private sector. My sense is that has to become a new paradigm."