A Global Family: The Paradigm Shift That Will Enable Us To Achieve The MDGs Rapidly and Effectively

Global Watch, Summer 2006 by Marques, Joan F

This brief report reviews the need for a new mindset, that of "a global family," in order to achieve the MDGs in a more rapid way than we have thus far. The article warns for some important issues to be considered in formulating the indicators toward achieving the MDGs, reviews some developments within major global organizations toward the MDGs, and presents a model for the implementation of the Global Family paradigm.

Developed and Under-Developed Countries

"Our most pressing question really is: do you want a global market or a global family? In a global market, big fish eats the little fish; in a global family, the handicapped child gets more attention than the normal one. Competition versus love" (Mehta, 2006, * 15).

These are the words of Kanti Shah - a Ghandian who has written more than 100 books that have been translated in dozens of languages - when asked how we can ignite real and lasting progress at a global level.

With his statement, Kanti Shah hit the nail on the head: globalization, as it occurs thus far, is merely a way for the strong to absorb and control the weak. A "global family" should be the mindset we need to adopt if we want to start working effectively toward impartiality and growth of all countries in the world. As Kanti Shah explained, the "more developed" countries should assist the "lesser developed" ones, whereby more developed and lesser developed are placed between quotation marks, because it could be disputed on what criteria, other than financial affluence, any individual or institution would have the right to categorize one country as better developed and more advanced than any other.

Such a categorization speaks of grave ethnocentrism and stems, according to Kanti Shah from a statement President Truman voiced over the radio shortly after World War II. In that statement Truman stressed, "It is America's burden to share our progress with the rest of the world" (Mehta, 2006, * 18). "With that one single statement," proclaims Kanti Shah, "[Truman] made countries like India under developed. Everyone started thinking that America is developed, and what India has [and what other countries have] is underdeveloped. This resulted in the rat-race that you have seen for the last 50 years" (Mehta, 2006, * 18). And Kanti Shah has a solid point there.

Yet, since we have - more or less - globally accepted the distinction of developed, developing and under developed countries by now, all we can do is try to reduce the inequalities, so that the countries that are currently at a perceived or factual disadvantage can be assisted in achieving greater levels of economical and social welfare and meet the standards in a responsible way.

The MDGs

In the year 2000, the Millennium Development Goals were formulated and adopted by the United Nations historic Summit of Heads of State and Government. The target has been ever since, to get these 8 goals realized worldwide by 2015. The goals are, 1) Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; 2) Achieve universal primary education; 3) Promote gender equality and empower women; 4) Reduce child mortality; 5) Improve maternal health; 6) Combat HIWAIDS, malaria and other diseases; 7) Ensure environmental sustainability; and 8) Develop a global partnership for development.

Although sufficient progress has been made in various areas thus far, there is a clear need for a more concerted effort in achieving these goals, which embody the realization of the basics in human quality of life.

So, how will such a massive effort toward global quality of life start? As Kanti Shah stated earlier, through a shift in our paradigms: Through the establishment of the mindset of a global family rather than just globalization. And that mindset has to be embedded within each global citizen, not only those in executive positions. It has to be taught on a massive level. "We have to change our lifestyles, our default track. It's a vast task, but many forces are striving for this. We must make this change at the depths of our being" (Mehta, 2006, * 16). Kanti Shah subsequently cites Wolfgang Jacks who asserted at an 'Another World is Possible' conference, "What is required today is not a bit of green tarnish; what is required is the greening of the mind" (Mehta, 2006, * 16). Kanti Shah then concludes, "Just being an environmentalist is not enough. The conscious mindset has to penetrate in every part of our life, of our society" (Mehta, 2006, * 16).

Concluding from Kanti Shah's assertions we can state that it is clear that the realization of the MDGs is not actually going to be accomplished through governments, major trading blocs, or multinational corporations, but through the efforts of Non Governmental Organizations; the grassroots NGO's, which are confronted with the problems within their home countries on a daily base, and which should realize by now that there is only power in communication and in unity.

Changing the predominant mindset in the world will be a tremendous task: An almost impossible one. For power, although labeled by many as an illusion, is an addictive phenomenon, and those who feel that they possess power are not very eager to sacrifice it, even if they actually know what would be the best thing to do for the sake of global advancement. Here are some points to ponder: