As someone deeply entrenched in the world of investments, I've spent a considerable part of my career focusing on economic growth and how the returns will help us in our world today. Yet, I've often found myself grappling with a profound question: Are we being good ancestors? In our relentless pursuit of progress, we tend to overlook the most important stakeholders we serve—future generations who are not yet born and have no voice in the decisions we make today.
Recent global events, particularly those unfolding at the United Nations General Assembly's Summit of the Future, have intensified this introspection. The summit was a pivotal moment for global leaders serving as a global mirror, that revealed the collective state of our world and the urgent need to recalibrate our priorities to safeguard the well-being of those who will inherit it long after we are gone.
One of the most significant developments was the adoption of the Pact for the Future, which includes the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations. These documents symbolise a collective commitment to tackle challenges that transcend national borders- issues that demand unified global action rather than isolated efforts.
The Declaration on Future Generations struck a particularly resonant chord with me. It emphasises intergenerational solidarity and calls for inclusive governance and sustainable development. The proposal to appoint a Special Envoy for Future Generations is a groundbreaking step toward ensuring that the interests of the unborn are considered in today's policy-making processes. It is a formal acknowledgment that our actions today have far-reaching consequences, and we must be accountable to those who will walk this earth after us.
In the realm of technology, the Global Digital Compact seeks to harness the benefits of digital advancements while mitigating their risks. It underscores the importance of human oversight in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, emphasising that such tools should enhance human capabilities without compromising our values or security. The compact also addresses the pressing issue of the digital divide, particularly the barriers women and girls face in accessing technology. By advocating for gender equality in the digital sphere, it aims to create a more inclusive technological landscape that benefits all of humanity.
The summit also highlighted the indispensable role of youth as agents of positive change. Investing in young people, especially those in vulnerable situations, is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for sustainable peace and development. Equitable access to education, healthcare, and opportunities empowers the next generation to tackle the challenges we bequeath to them. This aligns closely with my ongoing efforts to empower young individuals, particularly women, through initiatives that provide education and workforce opportunities.
However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The discussions around international peace and security were particularly contentious, reflecting the complex geopolitical tensions of our time. A last-minute amendment proposed by Russia threatened to derail consensus but was overwhelmingly dismissed. This incident underscores both the difficulties and the possibilities inherent in international cooperation. It serves as a stark reminder that while progress is possible, it requires persistent effort and a willingness to navigate the intricate web of global politics.
In reflecting on these themes, I am reminded of an old proverb: "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." This simple yet profound truth encapsulates the essence of our duty. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that when the time comes to pass on this world, we do so with pride and humility, knowing we have been faithful stewards of their inheritance.
In the end, the question we must ask ourselves is not just what kind of world we want to leave behind, but what kind of ancestors we aspire to be. The choices we make today will echo through the corridors of time, shaping the lives of those who come after us. Let us choose wisely.
Rumaitha Al Busaidi
The writer is an Omani climate change activist, women's rights activist, radio presenter, marine scientist, entrepreneur and a footballer
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