Human Advancement Is Being Negatively Affected by a "Very Difficult, Toxic Geopolitical Environment"

H.E. Naledi Pandor, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation for the nation of South Africa, warned that we are in a “very difficult, toxic geopolitical environment,” where the past advances in civilization and the rights of humanity are under threat. She warned of the danger of a serious reversal of the gains of women’s equality, and the threat of a renewed arms race. The idea that “might is right, and might is all that matters,” has become dangerously dominant in the U.S. In particular, she said, “it is tragic that we have allowed over 18 months of the slaughter of Palestine.” She endorsed the Schiller Institute’s Oasis Plan and other initiatives that are intended to create a “caring, rational global leadership,” initiatives that represent “an adult in the room.” She called for the BRICS to emerge as a group of world leaders who represent this outlook.