Indeed, what does "progress" mean to the world's citizens? There can be few questions of greater importance in today¡¯s rapidly changing world. And yet how many of us have the evidence to answer these questions?
Progress may refer to improvement. But to improve what? Since the enlightenment people have widely accepted that progress means an improvement in the overall well-being of humanity. But for a good portion of the 20^th century there was an implicit assumption that economic growth was synonymous with progress : an assumption that a growing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) meant life must be getting better. But now the world recognizes that it isn't quite as simple as that. Despite high levels of economic growth in many countries many experts believe we are no more satisfied with our life (or happier) than we were 50 years ago; that people trust one another - and their governments - less than they used to; and that increased income has come at the expense of increased insecurity, longer working hours and greater complexity in our lives. Much of the world is healthier and people live longer than they did just a few years ago, but environmental problems like climate change cast a shadow over an uncertain future. (Definitions of Progress)

In 2003, following "The Earth from above", Yann Arthus-Bertrand launched the project "6 billion Others".

In cooperation with Sibylle d¡¯Orgeval and Baptiste Rouget-Luchaire. 5,000 interviews were filmed in 75 countries by 6 reporters who went in search of the "Others" - from a Brazilian fisherman to a Chinese shopkeeper, from a German performer to an Afghan farmer, all answered the same questions about their fears, dreams, ordeals and hopes.

These portraits of humanity today are accessible online (www.6billionothers.org), as well as being presented through thematic films and a making-of documentary during exhibitions in France and abroad.

"6 billion Others" will also be part of the 3^rd OECD World Forum and will present a film focused on the question : "What does progress mean for us?"

This film will be available online from 1^st of September at : http://www.oecdworldforum2009.org, http://www.oecd.org and http://www.youtube.com/oecden.

Moreover, the participants in the World Forum will have the opportunity to be interviewed during the event and to offer their views on the same questions.