There is no "silver bullet" solution to climate stress and development needs, but biofuels and bioenergy will be a necessary and substantial portion of the global energy portfolio. Biomass is the original 'alternative' energy. From a primary source of fuel, it has evolved to supply renewable energy services at levels spanning the very simple to the highly complex. As localized energy carriers with localized benefits that can smooth some of the heterogeneity in resource allocation, biofuels and bioenergy can be a means of advancement and sustainable development. This talk will discuss the state of technology and emerging research in biofuels, and the human and technical capacity and infrastructure needs to support its development. The role, deployment, and impact of bioenergy technologies will be evaluated as a support for growth in developing and underdeveloped regions, in the context of domestic and international biofuels policies in developed economies that effect developing and underdeveloped nations. This talk will also address the potential for public/private partnerships to contribute to capacity building for bioenergy and biofuels development.