One world, one dream

                                                                                                                                                                               7th February, 2030

Dear Shristi,

I am very positive these years, not because I have everything I wish. But because I am alive, seeing this world and it's better changes for which major credit goes to the loopholes exposed by COVID-19 that became the history of great reset and not of great reversal.

Guided by the mantra ‘’Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’’, a Sanskrit phrase which means ‘’the world is one family’’, everyone pledges humanity. Respect and acceptance of differences have made the world a global village. Influenced by the teachings of Lord Buddha, we are profoundly convinced that peaceful minds lead to peaceful speech then peaceful actions and ultimately peaceful world. It feels surreal to see children, women, youth and minorities having unique and strong voices in dialogue and negotiation regardless of age and experience, addressing real issues like terrorism, refugee problem, hunger, poverty, homeless, suppression, energy inequalities, population injustice, animal rights, unemployment, ignorance, environmental degradation, climate change being heard globally, regardless of any divisive politics. With this ‘nonviolent strategy’, we are solving problems more effectively. Even powerful people and countries cannot escape from law as it used to be. Those days are gone when mishaps and problems exist in one part of the world and discussions were held in another part. Western society is no longer only the benchmark of progress but every culture is equally respected. Communities from grassroot level are accelerating and amplifying difficult conversations regarding social causes, women, LGBTQs, old people, aborigines, people living semi-nomadic life and taking up space for practical good. Investments have been increased in the fields of science and research instead of warfare and weaponry. Robots are used in the frontline in case of hazardous infections and pandemics. Industrial revolution has shifted to agricultural revolution and holistic wellness revolution.

 The thing that is inspiring the world is compassion, empathy and love.  World is radiating more words of forgiveness than weapons. People are concerned about reflection on inner self rather than mundane tasks. Mental health issues are talked openly. Name, surname, gender, sexual orientation, profession, nationality and physical appearance are just bare cover and not definition of person. Wealth alone is no more sign of good birth, respect and shortcut to success. Children are allowed to pursue the profession of their passion willingly by parents. All lives and rights matter.

Shristi, achieving world peace does not assure the sustainability of the planet, but it is a necessary precursor. We were successful in achieving all interconnected 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) by the end of last year which were adopted in September, 2015. Sufficiency, philosophy and economy are trusted to confront the challenges of sustainability with speech, strategy, effort, exactness and engrossment. We are adopting ‘non- plastic’ alternatives. Nonessential and luxurious items are put off by high taxes. Irrational use of resources is discarded and scientists are funded to find better alternative resources. Any misutilization of scientific discoveries is strictly punished. Pesticides are used limitedly. Maximum people have changed their dietary practice from being non- vegetarian to vegetarian. People are trying their best to reverse the climate crisis. They are refrained from destructive behavior and engaged in constructive behavior.

Spiritual and religious roles are used to expedite the achievements of SDGs. For example, Eastern culture always worship gifts like food, rain, etc and believed in harmony with nature. Fundamentally sustainable development is any development that has balance as foundation. Individuals are doing certain part of responsibility towards sustainability and it has become a massive movement.

You know how this became possible? It was because we never gave up to get the world we left behind. With joint effort, anything is possible. It is always humans who can possibly make the world a better place. The whole world is continuously spirited against trouble of rapid demographic changes, addiction to exponential economic growth, production of artifacts and wastes. We cannot make emerging problems our capability, but we should make ourselves capable of them. This is just a start, there is a lot to do for ‘sustainability of peace’ and ‘peace for sustainability’.

One person can change the community, one thought can change the world, we believe.