More than once, I have been in situations where I have looked at the myriad problems in the world, from the consumption of animals to the treatment of workers and how in general more importance is placed on property and wealth than on life.
I have wondered how we got here and if it is possible to undo some of these issues. When I would start pulling on these threads I would see how connected everything is, so we have to look beyond the US and to the world as a whole.
Last year, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, gave an incredibly powerful speech in which she called for a “reset.”
Although the United Nations has a negative reputation, its headquarters in New York City is a place where many from the Global South have a platform to speak their truths and, more often than not, many speak on behalf of the most vulnerable, including those from other countries.
I was really fascinated by the power of what Prime Minister Mottley was advocating for and whom and wondered, why has something like this never happened before? And can we do this? What would it be like for the Global South to have an equal voice especially on some issues that are impacting everyone from climate change to poverty?
“As the children of Mother Earth, we continue to wrestle with the Climate Crisis. As a human family, we grapple with the legacy of the pandemic. As a digitally connected people, we are now daily confronted by multiple theaters of war and armed conflict.”
She went on to say…
If ever there was a time to pause and reset, it is now.
The reset for which I am calling and indeed, all our citizens are demanding, must see an end to all forms of discrimination. … Neo-colonialist structures which reflect and perpetuate an old world order characterized by racism, classism and misogyny, while ignoring the legitimate aspirations of billions, will not help to foster hope or trust.
Too many millions go to bed with their bellies hungry. And too many have no bed.
Our African brothers and sisters got it right with their principle of Ubuntu, “I am because you are; I am because we are.” My wellbeing is tied to yours and our collective wellbeing is connected to Mother Earth’s. This best voices the approach needed to give expression to the reset.
Above all else, a reset is needed to secure a global peace.
Why did this impact me so much?
It was such a fantastic concept and one that could have a huge impact on the lives of so many! So original and a way of looking at how we can work together for a better world. It helped to remind me that we have the ability to create change by thinking differently than we have before – again, looking beyond ourselves at a way we can advocate for one another, especially the most vulnerable.
To think in different ways is to think in ways that might seem impossible, but as the head of an organization, company, etc., you have the ability to make it happen. To imagine another world is possible (I attribute this saying to the World Social Forum I attended in Caracas, Venezuela, in 2006).
We need leaders of every form and those who are in positions of power to take a leap, to take a stand for something – for justice and compassion for all (leaving no one behind).
Demand more of leaders – whether that be heads of government, corporations, or non-profit organizations.
Make sure they can hear you.
