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| Photograph: Getty Images |
I HAVE HOPE – and faith in the governments and leaders in place today. You have been appointed to your respective posts, in this time, for a reason and to fulfill a purpose. At this specific time, that reason and purpose is clear; to be united towards a common enemy, to seek wisdom, to be accountable, to be responsible, to be decisive, to act quickly, to empower, to protect... to step up and lead!
I HAVE HOPE – in and for our children. They will build on the foundations we lay and take humanity on, to see and do what we could only dream of!
I HAVE HOPE – in humanity and its fundamental goodness. We are incredible, we are brave, we are strong, we are HUMAN! All made in the same image; an image that is good, an image that is love, an image that is all powerful.
I BELIEVE – we face one of the darkest periods in our existence. A time in which each person will be negatively impacted in some way. COVID-19 has directly and indirectly challenged our societies and governmental, administrative and economic structures and systems.
I BELIEVE – what we face today is different. Never has the access to information been as easy as it is today, this fact alone has exponentially increased the impact of, and fear surrounding COVID-19. Our society has become predominantly sentiment driven and as a result we face far greater impact on a much broader scale from the likes of COVID-19 than we would have experienced in the past.
I BELIEVE – what comes tomorrow will also be different. Regardless of your geographic location, socio-economic status, state of health, trade / profession / vocation, age or even your awareness, COVID-19 will have an impact on current reality and your future. “Social-distancing” has already and will continue to bring about new ways of being and behavior and added and removed opportunities on a scale probably never seen before.
I BELIEVE – people will rally to the cause. Experts are working tirelessly, with resources, technology and knowledge at their disposal beyond anything that has gone before. Communities are working together to ensure everyone is given the best possible chance. Empathy is rising. Some may look at this and say, “We will be stronger, better equipped, more aware and better people when this is over.” Others are saying, “How does this impact you... how can I help you... what do you need... I am here for you...”.
I BELIEVE – it is time for change. Change is taking place by default, we are communicating more effectively than ever before and working together for the greater good like no other time in our history.
WHAT IS HAPPENING
Governments and institutions are reeling to put in place mechanisms to prop up economies and industry in unprecedented ways. Economic powerhouses are engaging with industry forums and leaders on relief packages. It is incredible to see what can be done and what is available when the stakes are high.
Relief to industry and companies is being opened to mitigate the revenue and cash flow implications and in so doing minimize the impact on staff and onward business relationships. Stimulus packages are being released into the market in a hope to free up liquidity and slow the market collapse. I don’t believe these efforts are incorrect, just not adequate. Where this is falling short is that is fundamentally top down and is not doing enough at the very foundation of our societies – the individual.
WHAT IS NEEDED
The individual is the building block on which all our world’s systems rely, every system from the family through to the Global Economy. The survival of the whole will depend on the extent to which every individual is able to respond and rise to the challenge of rebuilding once we overcome COVID-19. The individual needs to be at the core of every decision made and every action taken should be towards ensuring their future. If we take care of every individual; the families, communities, companies, countries and economies of the world will be secure.
I commend and salute the efforts of courageous leaders like British Chancellor Rishi Sunak who has stepped up and taken unprecedented steps towards ensuring the salaries and wages of people impacted by COVID-19 are secure. It is now time for leaders in all countries to follow suit, to stand up and be courageous for the sake of the individual and ultimately the whole.
The systems and structures in place today need to be revisited. Conversations in the past over options like Universal Income need to be brought to the table once again. The global GDP is in the region of 92tn, with the population sitting at just below 8bn. A base subsidy of 10k per capita would cost the global economy 80tn, but release more liquidity into global markets than ever possible through top-level stimulus. At the same time, it would generate security and opportunity at the very lowest level and facilitate rebuilding on a scale otherwise not possible.
THE CALL TO STEP UP AND TAKE ACTION
The pushback will be immense, and the fight incredible as are no rules in place to make this possible. However, the rules can be made, mechanisms implemented, and changes ushered in by courageous leaders willing to step up and take action.
… again, I HAVE HOPE – and faith in the governments and leaders in place today. You have been appointed to your respective posts, in this time, for a reason and to fulfill a purpose. At this specific time, that reason and purpose is clear; to be united towards a common enemy, to seek wisdom, to be accountable, to be responsible, to be decisive, to act quickly, to empower, to protect... to step up and lead!
… and in turn I BELIEVE – that the individuals of the world will respond and rise up, we will endure, and we will rebuild! Imagine a future where every individual has access to information (education), resource and opportunity. That is a future worth hoping for, believing for, being courageous for, stepping up for, taking action for and fighting for!
