“Building a Secure Future: Seeking Practical Solutions” Essay Example

such as capacity building, leadership training, education, and partnership opportunities for youth to contribute to development. The third and final part urges African leaders to address development challenges and suggests ways to tackle physical insecurity, including terrorism.

Additionally, the text mentions the response to the Tsunami tragedy as an example of individuals playing a role in building a secure future. Today holds great significance in my life.

In January, my school gained media attention due to violent protests by students against the lack of infrastructure. These protests were rooted in the absence of electricity, water, transportation, and adequate accommodation, which hindered our ability to learn. The school authorities reacted by abruptly shutting down the institution, awaiting the students' realization that they live in a society where such amenities are lacking. After two months of anticipation, our school finally reopens today. Alongside 40,000 other students, I am overjoyed. Despite being weakened by malaria since last week, my excitement remains undiminished as I am determined to pursue education. It takes me 45 minutes and some physical agility to board the bus that will take me to school, which is further delayed by traffic caused by poor roads. As I disembark at my destination, I approach my faculty with cautious optimism. The solemn discussions among groups of students indicate that not all is well.

Several issues have been discovered at the school. Firstly, all full-time undergraduate students have been fined 10,000 Naira as a punishment. Secondly, the hostels that were previously paid for this semester have been closed, resulting in all students having to commute daily. Additionally, my faculty's starting date has been postponed until mid-April. Most importantly, the infrastructure problems

persist and are yet to be resolved.

I am deeply disappointed and unable to fully express my feelings. While passing by committed students selling forms for the "undertaking of good behaviour" in order to increase fines, I come across a newspaper headline accusing the Minister of Education, Senate President, and others of accepting a 55 million Naira bribe. This news only adds to my distress. If that money had been used for electricity and water supply, it could have prevented the disruption in my life and the challenge of raising 10,000 Naira within two weeks. At this moment, I am reminded of the presence of malaria parasites in my body, causing intense headaches and blurred vision. In the scorching heat, I wait for transportation back to my apartment which has been without electricity and water for over 15 days. This is the harsh reality I currently face.

The concerns I have are not limited to the typical definition of insecurity. It's not about whether a satellite can detect a terrorist entering my country or if I will be alerted when near a suicide bomber. My worries are much broader. Will I ever complete my education, regardless of its quality? And if I do, will I be able to find any job, even if it's not good? If I manage to find a job, will it provide enough for my basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing? And even if it does, will I be able to stay healthy and make a positive impact on my community? Most importantly, will I ever escape poverty which encompasses all my fears and insecurities? Finding genuine answers to these questions is

crucial in addressing the development challenges faced by millions worldwide including myself.

Poverty And Economic Insecurity

Prioritizing efforts towards building a secure future must include measures that aim to reduce poverty and address economic insecurity. James D.

Wolfensohn argues that the battle against poverty is linked to worldwide peace and security. Yet, instead of tackling the problem head-on to encourage economic growth and social stability, a significant amount of time and resources are being squandered on defining or altering the definition of poverty. This trend is disheartening since it has led to almost half of the global population, myself included, still living in poverty. Esteemed economist Jeffery Sachs reveals that more than 20 million people perish annually as a result of poverty-related issues, which equates to 22,000 individuals per day.

To achieve a secure future, it is crucial that we change our attitudes and approach towards addressing development challenges. To explore viable solutions, I propose the A.R.I.S.E theory, which presents five key factors for poverty eradication and ensuring our future.

Aid for development and security

Now more than ever, it is essential for the international community to consider both the quantity and effectiveness of aid provided to developing countries. The traditional approach of linking aid to specific requirements is no longer sustainable. In practice, when aid is dependent on conditions like purchasing goods or services, its value decreases and its impact on development becomes limited. An important opportunity to reassess the aid mechanism will arise during the G8 meeting in Scotland in July.

During this meeting, it is crucial for governments of developed countries to fulfill their commitment made in Monterrey, Mexico. Their commitment is to increase the Official

Development Assistance (ODA) to at least 0.7% of their Gross National Income. It must be recognized that aid will not be effective if it is not directed towards addressing the immediate needs of impoverished individuals.

According to Patrick Watt, conflicting objectives and incentives often result in misallocation of aid, failure to reach the poorest countries, and inability to directly respond to recipient demands. To address this issue, I propose revisiting the OECD Donor Assistance Committee Agenda established in Rome. This will ensure proper and efficient flow of aid. The agenda includes recommendations such as reevaluating terms and conditions tied to aid, avoiding resource waste through excessive meetings and consultant payments for program evaluations, and continuously assessing the process for accountability among donors and recipients.

To achieve this goal, both international and country-level Independent Development Aid Monitoring Agencies can be established. These agencies would monitor activities and evaluate the performance of donors and recipients on an annual basis. The importance lies in making sure that aid is used efficiently towards its intended goals.

While it is important to harmonize the aid system, it is even more vital to strengthen countries' capacity in effectively utilizing their resources and securing funds for development.

No matter the amount of money pledged or given to poor countries as aid, it is necessary for countries to explore multiple aspects of globalization in order to effectively reduce poverty in a sustainable manner. This can only be achieved by promoting fair trade relations between countries. Providing aid to poor countries without emphasizing the need for a supportive environment for trade relations is essentially telling them, "Here's some money for your development, but there are limits." One major

obstacle preventing poor countries from benefiting from globalization is the presence of unjust trade practices within the system. Poor countries face trade barriers, excessive regulations, and restrictive rules that govern global trade.

Financial support for agricultural products from wealthy nations like the US creates challenges for farmers in impoverished countries, such as those in Africa. These subsidies not only hinder their ability to export goods but also impede their competitiveness in local markets. To ensure a brighter future, it is crucial for prosperous nations to open up their markets and allow poorer countries to benefit from globalization.

Working towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Given the current state of underdevelopment, it would be remarkable if even half of the world's countries achieve the MDGs. The MDGs aim to eliminate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality rates, improve healthcare systems, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, and foster global partnerships for development by 2015. Achieving these goals is a crucial step for underdeveloped nations to make significant progress.

To achieve these goals, particularly in impoverished countries, it is necessary to gradually shift focus from a countrywide approach to a more sectoral approach in raising awareness. This is currently lacking in countries like Nigeria. It is important to address the role of the United Nations in forming collaborative partnerships with local organizations and associations to create awareness. Additionally, funding for achieving these goals should be addressed at the upcoming MDG's Summit in September. Countries should also be encouraged to align their development strategies with the MDG's.

In March 2004, the Government of Nigeria developed the National Economic

Empowerment Development Strategy (NEED's) to tackle its development challenges. Despite criticism and flaws, this document is the closest Nigeria has come to defining and articulating a framework for achieving the MDG's. While it has received approval from the World Bank and IMF, it is important to re-evaluate and incorporate recommendations from other stakeholders, such as the media, NGOs, women's groups, and youth.

Technical assistance and aid are crucial for Nigeria to reach the mid-term objectives outlined in this document but active involvement of addressed people is paramount.Countries should be encouraged to develop their own strategies, such as NEEDS, to achieve domestic policy objectives. However, imperfect policies require citizens and civil society to provide constructive recommendations for improvement. International agencies can provide unconditional funds to assist in this process, avoiding issues with policy ownership for implementing the MDGs.

Transparency and accountability are of utmost importance. Growing up in a country ranked 3rd most corrupt by Transparency International has been enlightening. Developed countries must actively combat corruption in poorer nations as it is crucial for economic growth and stability. These countries should hold corrupt leaders responsible for misusing national treasuries and ensure looted funds have no safe havens anywhere in the world. European countries, particularly through the European Union, should impose severe penalties on banks that enable such misuse of scarce resources intended for development. The European Commission supports individuals, especially public officers from developing nations, by implementing strict guidelines and procedures for maintaining their accounts.

Particularly, monies discovered to have been stored in such banks should be directed towards a fund that can be established and then returned to the country to assist in the development process.

Share Technological Innovations

We

live in an ever-changing global community, where some reside in lavish mansions while others seek refuge in mud huts with thatched roofs. The first step towards development for poor countries is to utilize the potential of ICT for development, while developed countries should provide them with opportunities to participate in the knowledge economy. In order to ensure development on all fronts, it is necessary to implement appropriate policies for the utilization of new technologies, and developed countries can offer technical and material support. Alongside the formulation of effective ICT policies, it is important to focus on providing basic IT training. For instance, a successful program that should be strengthened and replicated in other poor countries is the Youth for Technology campaign organized by a group of young individuals in Lagos in 2004. In this initiative, youth leaders downloaded resources on the basic use of the internet, translated them into Yoruba (the prominent language among young individuals in Lagos), and then dedicated two weekends working with local cyber cafes to train these youths in Internet technology.

The lack of funds and technical assistance, combined with the high turnout of youth, made it impossible to sustain the scheme. However, there is potential for success if international organizations partner with local NGO’s in order to provide knowledge, resource materials, computers, and ideas to young people.

Emphasis on Education

Aside from poverty, the absence of education poses a significant threat to building a secure future. If we have a generation of illiterate leaders, our world is as secure as a maximum-security prison with open gates. While Goal 2 of the MDG’s focuses on achieving universal primary education, it is not enough. It

is important to invest in both formal and informal education in order to nurture the abundant human capital present in many poor countries.

Multinational corporations in developing countries have a crucial role to play in addressing gender disparity in education, as do governments. One way they can contribute is by providing internships for young people. Additionally, they can collaborate with local NGOs to organize summer camps that offer vocational training and informal education opportunities. Instead of solely providing aid, international organizations can also send educational resources and volunteers to support local organizations in expanding their knowledge base. Through such efforts, sustainable solutions can be achieved to break the cycle of poverty and unemployment.

The R.I.S.E theory would be incomplete if it overlooks other factors, like debt overhang, that play a part in causing poverty.

Debt's Impact on Development and Security

Africa currently pays $15 billion each year in interest fees to its creditors, and Nigeria spends $1.7 billion annually on servicing its debts.

In the context of economic development and poverty eradication, the current debt amount is not sustainable. Some countries propose complete cancellation of debts, while others suggest reviewing the debts. However, some believe that debt cancellation is an unrealistic solution. Regardless of which side of the argument we stand on, it is undeniable that we need to find a sustainable solution to alleviate the poverty experienced by heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC's). The truth is that we are jeopardizing our future by accumulating these debts because sustainable development can only be achieved if we fulfill the present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It is disheartening that my country pays $1.7 billion each

year to service debts that were accumulated long before I was born – three and nine times more than what it currently invests in education and health, respectively.

It is no surprise that I spend more time out of school than in, and that malaria is as common as headaches in Nigeria, despite its deadly consequences. Countries burdened with such high levels of debt are unable to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. A sustainable debt strategy needs to be created. Having experienced the negative impact and understanding the seriousness of the debt issue, I propose a negotiation formula to reach a resolution that benefits both creditors and debtors, with the main objective being the development of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC). To address these debts, an Independent Debt Arbitration Panel should be established for auditing. A resolution should then be determined based on a formula where a maximum of 30% of the debt is repaid over a specific period, while the remaining 70% is utilized for fostering the country's development.

In this sense, instead of repaying the owed sum and waiting for it to come back as aid, creditors would collaborate closely to ensure that the money is directed towards a development project, such as providing stable electricity in the impoverished country. Sanctions and penalties would be enforced if there is a default or if the funds are diverted for other purposes.

The Bretton Woods Institutions

The World Bank, the IMF, and the WTO, which are the three major institutions involved in the financial activities of countries worldwide, should also reassess their strategies and focus on assisting all nations rather than just their wealthy members. Whether one loves or

hates them, their role in ensuring a better future is absolutely necessary.

These institutions, particularly the IMF, have faced severe criticism for their approach to developing impoverished nations. This criticism primarily stems from the implementation of Structural Adjustment Programs that fail to address the structural issues present in these countries, as well as aid that is tied to conditions that do not adequately meet their development needs. In certain instances, such as the SAP program in Nigeria during the Babangida era, these initiatives have caused more harm than good. A shift away from a standardized development approach is essential. It is imperative to enact radical and systematic reforms to transform the operational methodologies of these institutions.

They must also increase democracy and strengthen the involvement of poorer countries in their activities. To better understand and address the actual needs and solutions of developing countries, broader participation is necessary instead of relying on perceived needs and prescribed solutions.

Build the Youth, Secure the Future

It is crucial for the development agenda of global leaders to prioritize youth empowerment. Instead of only considering youth leaders as an afterthought when discussing global issues, youth should be included in the process from the beginning. We need to be seen as development partners: The key to securing a successful future for the world lies in harnessing the inherent potential of young people worldwide and encouraging them to utilize their energy, youthfulness, and creativity.

Youth organizations, particularly those from developing nations, should play an active role in achieving the development goals. Neglecting youth issues would mean disregarding future concerns. Initiatives like Oxfam-supported International Youth Parliament should receive ongoing support, expansion,

and duplication to enhance the capability of young people in contributing to development. Additionally, a more dynamic and democratic International Youth Foundation is needed to coordinate and advocate for youth needs. This would involve replicating the principles of the European Youth Parliament on other continents.

This paragraph discusses the emergence of organizations like the African and Asian Youth Parliament in collaboration with the International Youth Foundation for youth development issues. The text suggests taking certain steps to achieve this, such as capacity building through training and connecting youth with available resources. The importance of education is highlighted, both formal and informal, in order to promote development. Additionally, there is a focus on addressing youth unemployment by educating them on entrepreneurship and small business opportunities while providing access to credit options. The paragraph also mentions the need for leadership training on various levels, as many young people have a negative perception of leadership based on current examples. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of engaging youth in all aspects of development processes to ensure their active participation and contribution towards shaping the future.

A more Secure Africa

A proactive and productive attitude towards development is crucial for African leaders to address the challenges of Africa. The answers to these challenges can be found within Africa itself. True democratization and strengthening of democratic institutions should be prioritized by our leaders. The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) program should be utilized to promote transparency, accountability, and regional security, and to find solutions to upcoming challenges. Measures must be taken to combat corruption and abuse of power. It is important to acknowledge that the era of aid and charity is ending, paving

the way for genuine partnerships. Building trust with partners requires leaders to redefine their values and be accountable to the needs of their people. Physical insecurity poses a significant threat to global society.

The impact of terrorism is spreading across the world, impacting both developed and developing nations. However, the effects are particularly severe for developing countries. Kenya, a country where over half of its population lives below the national poverty line of less than one dollar a day, experienced this firsthand when terrorists targeted American tourists. Similar incidents occurred in Indonesia and Egypt, among other places. The light-hearted attitude towards terrorism must come to an end.

A possible starting point for addressing terrorism would be to reform and strengthen the UN Security Council, making it more efficient and responsive. Additionally, countries worldwide should sign and implement the comprehensive convention on terrorism. To support vulnerable and poor countries that could potentially become havens for terrorists due to their porous borders and existing insecurity, regional partnerships with international security agencies should be formed. By doing so, these countries can better tackle this aspect of the problem. Lastly, it is crucial for individuals to be more vigilant and cooperative with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities. Despite the despondency caused by the Tsunami disaster, the world's spirit shone through.

The tragedy brought citizens, governments, and organizations from both developed and developing countries together to help rebuild the lives of those affected. This same spirit is needed to provide food, clean water, shelter, and comfort to millions of impoverished individuals who are suffering without hope. These people lay on sick beds with empty stomachs, too weak to feel hunger or

shed tears, patiently waiting for death. With this same spirit, we – you and I – can create a secure future. It has been twelve days since I began writing this paper. During this time, my country has lost its Minister for Education, Housing Minister, Inspector General of Police, and Senate President due to the fight against corruption.

This is optimistic news. If we continue to consciously make an effort, along with determination and dedication, if we truly embrace some of the suggestions outlined in this document, then the world could become a safer place to reside, even if not by 2015, then in the foreseeable future.

Sources

1. www. imf.org
2. www. worldbank. org
3. www. actionaid. org
4. www. un.

The text below includes various and their contents:

org/milleniumgoals

unified version with the and their contents intact:

org/milleniumgoals