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E. Shonekan: Tackle the Range of Crises
Written by Dr. Ernest Shonekan, Former President, Nigeria
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Remarks delivered at the International Leadership Conference on American Leadership at a Time of Global Crisis
Washington, DC, May 15-19, 2007
We live at a time when the world is facing one global crisis or another. The increasing wave of terrorism, for instance, is one global crisis of immense proportion. The lingering Arab-Israeli conflict is another one. What shall we also say about the high level of poverty existing in some parts of the world while others live in affluence? The spread of conflicts, civil wars and political instability give rise to despair and violence in some parts of the world. The crisis in governance in countries with weak institutions, the inequity that characterizes global trade, the controversy about the damages to the environment through human activity, and global health issues including the existence of incurable diseases, among others, suggest that the challenges are indeed many and varied.
The challenge associated with the emergence of 'failed' states and the ongoing spate of violence in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other parts of the world are all important topics and merit attention.
American leadership will constantly be called upon in addressing these global crises. The ideals of the nation's founding fathers, the values that America stands for and, of course, the fact that the US is the only country in the position to provide leadership in tackling these global crises head on enjoin her to take decisive and inspiring steps in the direction of ending these crises and promoting genuine global peace.
What about the new threats such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, religious disharmony and the breakdown of traditional and religious values? The lack of regard for the sanctity of human life exemplified by the ongoing violence in Iraq and the recent horrifying college shootings in the United States are also clear and irrefutable evidence of the absence of the desired peace in the global environment. We can, of course, go on and on, but what is important to bear in mind is that these times are indeed characterized by significant global crises.
But I believe they can be overcome. US President John F. Kennedy once said that "man has created his problems, man must solve them." So, I believe whatever the dimensions of the global crises may be, if there is a will, there will always be a way. Put simply, I have no doubt that with commitment and resoluteness, the challenges and crises can be overcome.
Needless to say, it takes a vision to succeed, and it is precisely for this reason that I welcome the opportunity that this conference provides to talk about vision and leadership in promoting global peace, happiness, harmony, prosperity, etc.
Leaders at the various levels must have a vision that emerges over time through dialogue, public debate by means of education and the media, what we are setting in motion at this conference, etc. Promoting genuine peace begins from home and extends to the school system, to the media, to government and business affairs both within the geographic or political boundaries of a nation and beyond. In short, it transcends a nation's territory and extends to the international environment.
This leads me to the questions I believe need to be answered at this conference: What must we do to promote world peace? Who must do it? I alluded earlier to the leadership of the United States. I must say that this will remain critical in promoting world peace. Although I hold the view that this conference must also answer the questions raised and more, it is my considered view that leaders in government, corporations, non-governmental organizations, international development agencies and other supranational bodies have a role to play. Put simply, those of us gathered here today are the ones who must play this role.
It all begins from home: a happy healthy family can produce happy, peaceful children who will go forth and promote peace. To achieve this will take good, free and responsible media committed to promoting the national interest, good and accountable governance everywhere, and a global economy that gives hope of rising income to the people in poor countries. Children must be provided quality and functional education as well as adequate health care delivery, among others.
In addition, it will take the following:
- Prevention of conflicts through deliberate and conscious efforts by leaders, governments, international agencies, non-governmental bodies, etc.
- Conflict management and resolution also by the same groups.
- Recognition that there is indeed a problem which must be contained. As Jean Kerr, an American humorist, once said, "If you can keep your head when all around you are losing theirs, it's just possible that you haven't grasped the situation." The truth is that the world is in the throes of a number of crises. We must recognize this and be resolutely committed to resolving them.
The kernel of my argument here is that to promote genuine peace, we must come to terms with the reality of the various conflicts around us, understand the root causes, and be willing to promote enduring solutions.
Let me reiterate that to get the above in place will take leadership and vision. And I believe the leaders gathered here are prepared to stand up for them.