We must, however, muster the political will to make our cities fit for our children, and the time to act is now!"
For me, the most important parts of the conference were the opportunities to meet new friends from all over the globe, and to attend some of the training events and seminars that help us focus on the things we can do on a daily basis to improve the potential for our own countries as well as globally. It is clear that we all have a global responsibility -- something done in China or Iceland, for that matter, has global consequences. We can no longer isolate ourselves as a species or as a culture. Indeed, with the Internet and modern technology and social networks (Facebook, etc.), it is not unusual to have friends in several countries. This should be a good thing- and it seemed as if most of the delegates were committed to the adage: think global, act local. It is vitally important that we look at ways in which we can reduce inequality and poverty in our own countries, increase participatory democracy, cultural diversity, gender equality, and sustainability. The main focus, according to most of the speakers, is to "rethink urban utopia is the main task. Our challenge now is to learn with the rest of the world, taking...
Most recently we helped install a new kitchen and dining hall in a Mombasa Children's Center and, through fund raising initiatives, helped provide desks and chairs to the Goodwill Academy, also in Mombasa.
For me, both of these experiences have been life-changing it is impossible to feel alone and isolated in his new Global Village when one knows that there are so many people in so many countries with good souls, optimism for the future, and a willingness to go beyond the norm to improve things for all people. While I am still young, I realize that it is only through efforts of international communication and understanding will all people establish a new world of global equity and cooperation. I am delighted to be counted as one of those individuals -- delighted to have the tools necessary to help these organizations move forward -- and delighted that I am on a path towards human service.
