At this moment in time - influenced by the pandemic atmosphere - when I think about the future - what comes to mind first is the changes we are witnessing in terms of reliance on the digital space sometimes to augment and support in person contacts and exchanges but now at times more and more as a replacement for in person interactions and that worries me.
When I reflect on my own career and experiences, it was those very in person contacts, exchanges, challenges and pleasures which were amongst the most enriching and memorable. Thus, when thinking about the future - I just hope that our humanity won’t suffer because of this over-reliance on the digital space. I hope that UNICEF remains mindful of this element in its work and working relationships.
But beyond the pandemic though this too has been amplified by the events of the past 18 months - what concerns me most about the future is the growing and persistent levels of inequality we are witness to in way too many communities and countries. And I hope and expect that UNICEF as part of the UN can strengthen its focus on equity in a multi-sectoral, holistic and sustainable manner through ever more impactful/creative and all-encompassing approaches, programmes and insights.
More specifically, I am concerned about a surge in conservatism, neoconservatism, dictatorial, autocratic, anti-democratic, patriarchal etc. in various institutions and centres of power and again, hope and expect that UNICEF as part of the UN can contribute to the global movements fighting to safeguard human rights, freedom, peace and dignity for all in all that it does and in the changes it aims to support for children and their communities.
When thinking about the future, I am encouraged by the energies, insights, struggles and contributions of millions of amazing young people in each and every country and the courage/sacrifice and determination of freedom fighters/activists in each and every country I know and follow. It is encouraging to see many individuals and collectives dreaming of new ways of being and living and trying to realize that each and every day in their work and lives. They provide hope as well as an alternative to the mainstream institutions/status quo of our current situation. These progressive and soulful efforts are what is and will shape a more just and equal world for all in the decades to come. And I hope that UNICEF and the UN will strengthen its support to such individuals/organizations and leverage their insights/passion and networks in speaking truth to power.
May we seek truth in our rich historical, philosophical and literary traditions and partner them with the energy/passion and forward-looking vision of our youth/activists towards a world in which the rights of all children, all adults, all non-human beings and the earth/universe is safe-guarded and respected.
This article is part of the XUNICEF News and Views Quarterly Newsletter, December 2021.
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