OPINION contributor
Global challenges and the UN
HDN | 10/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | SHAHID NAJAM
The global economic crisis continues to shake governments, families and businesses around the world impacting in particular the poor. Unemployment is rising everywhere. Social inequalities grow wider with vulnerable groups constantly driven to the margin. Many live in fear of their future in rich and poor countries alike.
The global economic crisis continues to shake governments, families and businesses around the world impacting in particular the poor. Unemployment is rising everywhere. Social inequalities grow wider with vulnerable groups constantly driven to the margin. Many live in fear of their future in rich and poor countries alike.
Famine in the Horn of Africa threatens more than 13 million individuals, including a generation of children.
Diseases devastate the health of people and economies all around the world.
Youth across the world lack the opportunities they deserve. Their anxiety and alienation lead to protest and at times violent demonstrations.
Rising food prices worldwide threaten the most vulnerable people who already live in very fragile conditions.
Natural disasters that threaten security and development of humanity have almost become a part of daily life in many regions of the world.
If this were not enough, discrimination, disempowerment and violation of human rights continue to pose formidable challenge to humanity.
During these hard times, the most vulnerable and marginalized of the global population ask a simple question: “What will become of us? What can the United Nations do for us?”
Everybody must ask that question to himself or herself. What can we do? How can we help people find greater peace, prosperity and justice in a world of crises?
In fact the answer is not as hard as many may think. What is required is political will and commitment coupled with inclusive collective action involving all segments and sections of the society at the national, regional and global levels.
Sustainable development is the first way forward for a solution. Saving our planet, lifting people out of poverty, advancing economic growth are part of the same endeavor. We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.
We must invest in people, particularly in education and women’s and children’s health. Development is not sustainable unless it is equitable and serves all people. We must act before conflicts erupt by deploying political mediation missions rather than troops. In other words, preventive diplomacy, a UN specialty, should be nurtured and supported. We must work for the rule of law and stand against impunity to prevent violations of human rights.
We must work for better disaster-risk reduction and preparedness to avoid further damage from natural disasters.
The UN remains the world’s first emergency responder. It is essential that we continue to build on our most innovative and effective tool for humanitarian relief. Today, famine in Somalia continues to spread. Humanitarian aid should also be followed by investment in long term projects to reduce the impact of future, similar climate conditions. The international community should act more vigorously to help save the children of the Horn of Africa.
Turkey displays an exemplary role in Somalia by both generating aid and positioning itself for investment in long term projects to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Growing awareness that relieving the world’s most vulnerable people of the unnecessary hardship of poverty, hunger and disease is not just a moral obligation, it is also a wise investment in our shared future. This idea should find more followers.
Women represent more than half of the world’s population and much of the world’s unrealized potential. The U.N. has also become an example by action. The U.N. has many women leaders in its ranks.
The international community should also focus on the new generation. Young people are more than our future, they are our current partners in combating diseases and poverty. They are also our present, both in numbers and how they drive political and social change.
The international community knows that no one country or group of countries can address all of these issues alone. To deliver for those in need, the international community must enhance cooperation, broaden its base and extend its reach. Global problems require global solutions.
Yes, the challenges are big and growing, but there is no time for pessimism. We have to act now and act collectively.
At its 66th anniversary, the United Nations is still the leading global organization that has the knowledge and expertise to help the international community. The world has the resources, expertise, experience and technology to overcome all of these problems.
The international community knows what works and what does not. It is the time to demonstrate leadership and political will for change.
For more than six decades, the United Nations continues to be the only global forum creating a credible platform that can bring world leaders together and generate the required political will. The seven billion now living on the planet earth look to the international community, especially to the world’s leaders.
They need solutions. They demand leadership. They want the international community to act. Let us respond to this call and join hands with the U.N., the U.N. which is for you, to address these challenges, embark on innovative solutions and create a better world, a world of peace, prosperity and social justice, both for the present and the generations to come.
*Shahid Najam is a U.N. resident coordinator.