A Kosmos Reader’s Essay by Rebecca Hardin

The world is in a critical, monumental transition state.

While there are still many systemic problems that need to be addressed around the world so that all people can live a life of dignity, privilege, and opportunity, studies have shown that the world is more peaceful now than ever before. So why are we so concerned and more involved in discussions, rallies, forums, and conferences on the topic than ever before? Because we are becoming global citizens with a renewed purpose and connection! We are experiencing humanity like never before. Technology has connected us to the realities of all parts of the world like never before. As global citizens, we are no longer willing to accept any atrocity because it goes against our morality, our ethics, and our humanity.

More and more people and institutions are speaking up and taking action for the good of humanity across the world. Governments are becoming more transparent. Corporations are implementing socially responsible initiatives and becoming social enterprises that do business while also doing good. Over a million nonprofits and civil societies continue to serve on the front line to provide services that wouldn’t otherwise be available to those in need. World leaders are coming together to support and execute a strategy to improve life on earth by 2030 with the new 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

While all of these actions are renewing our purpose and connection to the world, in isolation, they miss something: an opportunity to integrate and innovate. Studies continue to show that the biggest challenge facing the humanitarian and developmental sector is integration. To truly achieve the social and environmental change we desire will require integration between sectors and innovative approaches unlike any we have ever seen at local, national, and global levels.

Disaster relief teaches us that all challenges begin and end locally. National and global support can be requested and provided to help in a disaster or other humanitarian situation; however, the recovery and renewal process must occur at the local level. The same is true for the Sustainable Development Goals—ending poverty and hunger; providing access to healthcare and education; achieving gender and economic equalities; creating access to clean water and sanitation; promoting clean energy and responsible consumption to positively influence climate change; providing access to jobs that will lead to economic growth, innovation in industry and infrastructures, and sustainable communities; improving life on land and in the waters; and providing peace, justice, and strong institutional partnerships to achieve these goals. The social changes needed to accomplish these dreams will require global and national infrastructures, strategies, and commitments along with front line execution by all stakeholders within the local community through a whole system approach.

I am revitalized because multiple manifestations of this whole system approach are already taking place and increasing exponentially every day as more and more people renew their sense of purpose as global citizens! Corporations and nonprofits are partnering through volunteer programs to provide hands-on and skills-based local services like never before. A recent study found that over 90% of large corporations offer volunteer programs for employees. Citizen engagement is manifesting in developing countries to bring local voices to the table when making policy and budgetary decisions like never before. The millennial generation, of which I am a proud part, is the most socially minded generation that has ever existed. We are taking our passion, our purpose, and our expectations to our work, to our communities, and to our governments every single day, which is holding them accountable to positively impact their communities as global entities and citizens.

Global citizens are the transition team for building a revitalized community of tomorrow.

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