Deriving insights and learnings from past and complementary initiatives

Global Challenge of the Global Challenge (Part #4)

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In addition to the conferences and other dialogue processes these may have engendered, some of these initiatives have given rise to writings and compilations reflective of their learnings and recommendations. These include:

• Encyclopedias (increasingly accessible online), including:
  • Wikipedia
  • State of the World Forum proposal (Global Solutions for Global Challenges: a proposed International Consultation and Global Solutions Wiki) as discussed separately (Global Solutions Wiki )
  • Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (UNESCO-EOLSS)
  • Hmolpedia: Encyclopedia of Human Thermodynamics, Human Chemistry, and Human Physics
  • New Advent: the Catholic Encyclopedia
  • Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential interrelating databases on perceived world problems, global strategies, human values, human development, integrative knowledge, metaphors/patterns, and the like) in relation to the complementary Yearbook of International Organizations
• Integrative strategic project reports (typically "sinking without a trace):
  • Club of Rome reports (as discussed below), notably including:
    • Jorgen Randers: 2052: A Global Forecast for the Next Forty Years (2012)
    • W. Botkin, M. Elmandjra and M. Malitza: No Limits to Learning: bridging the human gap (1979)
    • Johan Rockstrom, et al: Planetary Boundaries: exploring the safe operating space for humanity (2009)
    • Yehzkel Dror: The Capacity to Govern (2001)
  • UNU/GPID): Goals, Processes and Indicators of Development; Comments on Problematique of GPID (1980)
• Courses and dialogue processes for change agents
• Web sites and compilations of proposals for systemic social change:

Curiously the current Global Challenges Prize is itself indicative of an important aspect of the problem it endeavours to address. Any web search (for "global challenges" or "global challenge") gives numerous results indicating the existence of a wide range of local, national and international initiatives with that preoccupation. These include, for example: The Global Challenge (universities), Global Challenges (Worldwide University Network), Global Challenges Research Fund (UK Research Councils). The very multiplicity of responses highlights the issue of assumptions regarding the possibility of a coherent global approach to global issues. Hence the title of this commentary.

The global challenge of providing a singular framework is further highlighted by the many hundreds of international Catholic orders and religious institutes variously beholden to the Catholic Church. Their number poses the question as to their lack of integration (despite the unquestionable coherence of their belief system) and to the nature of the distinctions between them. Such questions are relevant to the wider issue of the number and variety of responses to global challenges.

Given the current crisis of global decision-making, a key question is then: so what? How is any new proposal to engage with the evident lack of uptake of past proposals and insights? The possibility of factors remaining to be more effectively addressed is discussed separately (Recognizing the Psychosocial Boundaries of Remedial Action: constraints on ensuring a safe operating space for humanity, 2009).

Why is it that only new manifestations of crisis and inadequacy provide a focus for collective attention? Ironically the emergence of Donald Trump suggests that for many "not-Trump" is seen as framing a desirable strategy (as with "non-Jihadism") -- but unfortunately without any appropriately articulated content in either case, especially subsequent to success in the shorter term (Eradication as the Strategic Final Solution of the 21st Century? 2014).

The web site of the Global Challenges Prize offers some materials to guide reflection by participants in articulating their submissions. These notably focus specifically on the current hopes for internet-enabled governance. The challenges of the latter have already become evident in various arenas, despite the great enthusiasm of its advocates.

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