At the heart of the world’s problems lies an unsustainable economic system based on self-interest and competition that has failed to secure universal human rights for the majority world, and continues to inflict irrevocable harm on the environment. The international community must now unite around universal solutions based on the principles of cooperation, sustainability and economic sharing.
By 2050 the world’s population is predicted to be just over 9 billion, of whom an unprecedented 22 per cent—some 2 billion people—will be over 60 years old. Without a radical shift in current policies well over half of these, around 1.2 billion, will lack adequate income security, according to a recent UN World Economic and Social Survey 2007: Development in an Ageing World.
The resistance to the G8 in Rostok in June this year had a particularly varied and energetic character. A massive international demonstration converging from all quarters of the town.
"That sooner or later humanity receives an organisation of a socialist aspect … is, so to speak, the only chance that God has left it." "The day human beings will cease being cowards, the world will make a leap forward" - Robert Musil, The Man Without Qualities[1]
The definition of democracy must change to allow the citizen to become co-creator of the public good, says Harry C Boyte of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship.
Have you ever wondered what the International community could achieve if funding for war was diverted to urgent humanitarian needs? STWR have created this eye-opening cost calculator which shows what could be bought instead of arms and military equipment.
In light of the growing international consensus for economic reform, this article introduces economic sharing as a viable mechanism through which the international community can cooperate more effectively to end poverty and create a sustainable world.
It's good to give, of course it is. Sir Tom Hunter this week announced that he is giving away £1bn over his lifetime. Compare that with the world's richest man, Carlos Slim Helú, who says he won't be giving away his £33bn fortune: "Poverty isn't solved with donations - my concept is to accomplish and solve things, not going around like Santa Claus."