Reality check

That is the effect of today’s UN Development Programme report. (for the full story see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7876169.stm).

I highlight the above story, not to take pleasure in it, but because it serves to demonstrate that the current economic turbulence, is not a ‘Western’ construct, but a global phenomenon.

However this global phenomenon is not merely economic. It is also social. It is not inconceivable that calls for cultural and economic retreat will become too loud to ignore.

And then what?

We will be left with a fragmented world riven by hostility.

To ensure that this does not happen our leaders and others must realise that we will not come through the storm if we fold our arms and turn our backs on one another.

We will only come through the storm if we join hands and walk together.