Astronomy worldwide needs to be developed in three key areas: professionally (universities and research); publicly (communication, media, and amateur groups) and educationally (schools and informal education structures).

The focus will be on regions that do not already have strong astronomical communities. The implementation will be centred on training, development and networking in each of these three key areas. This Cornerstone will use the momentum of the IYA2009 to help establish and enhance regional structures and networks that work on the development of astronomy around the world.

These networks will support the current and future development work of the IAU and other programmes and should ensure that developing regions can benefit from the IYA2009 and the work of the other Cornerstone projects. It should also address the question of the contribution of astronomy to development.