"In the sub region, the recent trend in privatising security can be seen with the emergence of 'high walls, massive gates, uniformed security men and ferocious dogs' . Private security organisations can be discussed under two broad groups, namely: organised private security organisations such as private security companies that are registered as business ventures and are established with the aim of making profits.

"Since 2002, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have pooled in a substantial amount of their financial resources to diversify from oil dependent to knowledge-based economies. GCC countries have announced plans to invest around USD180 billion by 2012 in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to fuel their socio-economic growth and diversification.

"Mobile technology is helping Egyptian farmers in the Nile Delta region to manage scarce water resources more efficiently. A joint partnership between Ministry of Water Resources, GTZ (now GIZ) and Mobinil, largest mobile operator in Egypt launched a service called „Blue Line‟ to improve communication. This service involves establishing hotline between officials and farmers in the region. It also disseminates messages from officials regarding water supply and allocation to all mobile phones in the region with a „one touch‟ feature, that sends instant messages through a single button click."

"In Palestine, Souktel introduced an innovative mobile technology application in West Bank to tackle unemployment especially among the youth. Job-seekers can upload their “mini CVs” on mobile phones and send it to prospective employers. They also receive regular updates on employment opportunities. At least 400-500 unemployed youth in the age group of 18-25 use this service every month. The Souktel innovation has been a success in Palestine as 80 per cent of the population in West Bank have mobile phones, while only 20 per cent of the population has access to internet.

Innovative mobile phone applications are helping the vulnerable and poor communities in the region.

“According to Dr Anthony Turton, director of Touchstone Resources, consideration should be given to studying the economic feasibility of ‘mining’ South Africa’s problematic acid mine drainage (AMD) and wastewater (mentioned in the December 2010 Scan) for metals, minerals, salt and even hydrogen. Turton is a protagonist not only of ‘mining’ AMD, but also the water in sewage works and obtaining phosphate, which is crucial for food security, as a by product. Turton favours consideration being given to the use of ion-exchange technology to remove the metals and minerals.

Organized crime is becoming increasingly globally connected and more powerful. In their capacity to grow they are changing the rules of daily life for poor communities in urban centers. Organized crime units are providing social services for communities where government has failed to do so, and at the same time are becoming increasingly embedded in everyday life of poor urban communities globally.

In an innovative move Southern African countries have charted out a trans-border tourism park in the hopes of creating increased stability, environmental protection, and development.

Bolivia has included the concept of "Living Well" in its constitution, which includes explicit alternatives to conventional models of development.

FORO writes,

"Bolivia [is] leading the charge toward a new understanding of development in South America. The concepts of "Living Well," in Bolivia were written into those countries recent constitutions, in 2009. The Suma Qamaña in Aymara (Bolivia) are presented as alternatives that redefine the relationship between humanity and nature, partly as a response to global financial, economic, social, food and environmental crises.

Ecuador has written "Good Living" concepts into its constitution and take a bold step in proposing a 2009 - 2013 plan with objectives and progress indicators. This takes alternate approaches to development one step closer to formalization.

FORO writes,

"[Equador's] “Living Well” perspective seek to change the development paradigm and to