Page 410 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

Globalization

Whether your future life takes you into the private or the public sector, the
world you are now entering is no longer only defined by national identity and
constrained by national borders. New technology is rapidly shrinking the world
- communication is easier and faster than ever before. The structure of the
world's economy is changing as markets adapt to meet new demand. Politically,
profound changes are taking place too: some countries are forming new
regional associations while others have crumbles into internal conflicts. Global
issues are arising which demand that countries work together to find common
solutions. These include the mass movement of refugees and migrants;
international arms-trading, drugs-trafficking and environmental disasters.

But while new technology is forging some of us closer together than ever
before, millions are in danger of being left behind. For most in this world the
daily issues remain the same. It is not a question of how they get ‘on-line’ - it is
a question of how they will be fed; how they will survive conflict; how their
children will be educated; and how they will afford basic medical care.

In his Millennium Report the United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi
Annan, stressed the importance of adherence to certain global values in the
time of rapid change. These will be necessary if we are to avoid creating a
wealthy international minority linked together via the Internet, while the
majority of the global population remain excluded and impoverished.

These values include:

• Freedom: everyone has the right to live in dignity, free from hunger
and squalor and from the fear of violence or oppression.

• Equity and solidarity: Those who suffer, or who benefit least from
Globalization, are entitled to help from those who benefit most.

• Tolerance: Differences within and between societies should be
neither feared nor repressed, but cherished.

• Non-violence: Disputes between and within nations should be resolved
by peaceful means, except where use of force is authorized by the UN
Charter.

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