Mark C.’s Post

Regional organizations can play a critical role in addressing crises in their respective regions. This has often been the case in the Americas and should be the case in addressing the Venezuelan Crisis. In this report that I wrote during my time with Global Americans, I provide my take and recommendations on how the Organization of American States and other regional organizations can help address the Venezuelan crisis and be better prepared for future challenges in the Americas. https://lnkd.in/eu6Em7Vk

As we approach the halfway mark for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the world faces some sobering realities. The combined effects of the Russia-Ukraine war and the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have undeniably set back development efforts. Richard Gowan's article sheds light on the importance of rebooting development and the role of Western countries in honoring their aid pledges. How will these conversations unfold at the upcoming UNGA?

RCEP, African Union nations can integrate into mutually beneficial community: Professor Sachs RCEP, African Union nations can integrate into mutually beneficial community: Professor Sachs BY JOSH YANG January 28, 2024 Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs emphasizes the importance of long-term collaboration and mutual benefit among countries and groups in Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. China’s Belt and Road Initiative can help solve Africa’s infrastructure and poverty issues, accelerating its modernization. Professor Sachs calls for responsible capitalism and advocates for practices that promote competition, social integration, sustainable development, and peace and cooperation. https://lnkd.in/g7Z8AKqH

🔍 Extreme Uneven Development in South Africa - A Critical Analysis by Patrick Bond In his recent lecture at the University of Johannesburg, Prof. Patrick Bond offers a rigorous critique of the extreme socio-economic disparities that continue to challenge South Africa. Through a Marxian economic lens, Bond illuminates the deep-seated issues stemming from historical exploitation and neoliberal policies, urging a radical transformation towards sustainability and equity. This article is a look into Bond's analysis and calls for an integrated approach to tackling racial, economic, and environmental injustices. Join the discussion on how we can drive systemic change for a more just and sustainable future. 👉 Read more here: [Link to the article] #PatrickBond #EconomicInequality #SocialJustice #SustainableDevelopment #NeoliberalImpact #SouthAfrica #ProfessionalGrowth #EconomicReform

Target 16.3 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals promises to “ensure equal access to justice for all.” With an estimated 5.1 billion people who have unmet access to justice needs it will be hard to achieve target 16.3 by 2030- many people face justice problems, and too few get the justice they need. This “justice gap” undermines human development, reinforces the poverty trap, and imposes high societal costs. The “justice gap”, oven unseen, also exists in regard to commercial issues. Dr Petra Butler's research aims to make a contribution to close the “justice gap”. To learn more about this, and to hear Dr. Butler talk about her research on access to justice, watch this short video prepared for the ITA Academic Council "𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐀𝐦 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧" project. Special thank you to Dr Crina Baltag, FCIArb and Victoria Sahani who lead this project! You can see more videos in this series here: https://lnkd.in/gVkSRs7E

"MUST POLITICS BE PART OF EVERYTHING? 😩" As I engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with a Strategic Sharpener, we delved into the intricacies of national development and the concerns of youth we have engaged with across the continent. Our discussion led us to ponder the question, "Must politics be part of everything worthwhile we do?" Initially, we thought the answer was obvious, but as we dug deeper, we uncovered a profound insight. Politics is not just about governmental affairs; it's about creating and executing policies aimed at foster order, prevent damage, and promote growth. This understanding revealed that politics is an integral part of every aspect of life, from personal decisions to institutional governance. Even the rules set in a household are, in essence, policies designed and policed to maintain harmony and prevent harm. As we reflected on our own lives, we realized that establishing personal policies and principles is essential to becoming more organized, productive, and purposeful. We saw that politics is not just about grand governmental schemes but also about the smaller governments we oversee in our daily lives. This shift in perspective highlighted the essence of effective leadership, personal responsibility, and empowerment in shaping our lives, communities and nation at large. In projection, we acknowledged that institutions, both micro and macro, are run by individuals who come from homes – small governments where they are the presidents of their own lives. This realization underscored the significance of personal politics in influencing our actions and decisions. By recognizing the power of personal politics, we can become better leaders, creating a more purposeful and productive society. From the above, we saw that, POLITICS IS INDEED EVERYWHERE and should ideally be a part of everything we do to unearth, preserve and unleash their order and nature of function. We also saw where we missed it as a continent, country, and people. Human's corruptible nature everywhere, stirred by evil desires and avarice. Hmm! It is well. Can we have systems where there will be pure selflessness, fairness and service as the true meaning of "politics" should be announcing? IT BEGINS WITH US - in our corners of governments. I decided to share this understanding too, so we may arise, and rebuild our mindsets and lives together. Feel free to share your views and perspectives to this too. GOD bless Africa! Happy Republic Day, Ghana. 🇬🇭 #AfricaisRising! 🌍 #IamaGlobalWonder 🌟 #YouReallyMatter 😊 #BoomBees 💙🐝 PC: AI Meta pics

I am pleased to share my most recent publication, “South Africa’s Tragedy: "From the Powerhouse" of Africa to "Embattled State." This paper tracks the political development of South Africa from the election of Nelson Mandela to the present through the lens of state fragility. To best understand South Africa's plight, it makes a valuable theoretical contribution to the conceptualization of fragile and failed states. 

Navigating Post-Conflict Horizons: The Evolving Landscape of Public Policy. In the wake of recent hostilities in Israel-Palestine and Ukraine-Russia, the global community faces a juncture laden with challenges yet brimming with opportunities. As public policy scholars and practitioners, we are at the forefront of navigating this complex post-conflict terrain. The ceasefires may have stilled the cannons, but the echoes reverberate through the intricate halls of policy-making. The reconstruction of physical infrastructure is evident, yet the subtler endeavor is the rebuilding of trust, social cohesion, and the fostering of resilience in communities torn asunder. Moreover, these conflicts underscore the imperative of multinational cooperation and the robustness of international institutions. They beckon a re-evaluation of existing policy frameworks and a proactive engagement with emerging security, humanitarian, and developmental paradigms. The road ahead demands an interdisciplinary approach, marrying the nuanced understanding of local contexts with global best practices. It's an endeavor not just of governments, but of civil society, academia, and the private sector. As we reflect, share insights, and forge ahead, let's harness the collective acumen to contribute towards a more peaceful, just, and sustainable global society. Our engagement in informed, forward-thinking public policy is more crucial than ever. #PublicPolicy #PostConflictReconstruction #InternationalRelations #Multilateralism #Peacebuilding This post strives to encapsulate the intricate challenges and the boundless opportunities that lie in the realm of public policy post-conflict. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, international cooperation, and the collective effort of various sectors in navigating the evolving landscape of public policy. CAIC

In the development world, it is high time large organizations - the multilaterals based in DC, NYC or Rome- have to step up to meet the development goals. They cannot hide behind their lethargic bureaucracies, evaluation studies, and small experimental projects any more. They have the financial resources, that are used for minimal ground impact - no risk programs, with no respect to time in terms of approvals. They have to change their ways or let them step aside for others to play the role. Now they are playing on the lives of the poor across the developing world. Everybody is talking of urgency of eradicating poverty and 1.5 degree C..but when it comes to implementation - there is absolutely no accountability! Then expect only the grassroots orgs to take the brunt while they will keep asking the question - "how will it scale?" such a question should be up there with "Who am I?".

Thrilled to share Michael Sheldrick’s debut book, "From Ideas to Impact: A Playbook for Influencing and Implementing Change in a Divided World." https://a.co/d/6vHbJJ1 As the Co-Founder of Global Citizen, Mick has been instrumental in mobilizing resources to combat extreme poverty, channeling over $40 billion globally. This book is a testament to his journey and the power of policy entrepreneurship to bridge the gap between lofty ideals and tangible outcomes. It's an essential read for anyone committed to making a social impact, offering a comprehensive eight-step playbook for driving policy change and fostering unity in times of division. Featuring compelling examples from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to contemporary climate justice efforts, it serves as an indispensable guide for changemakers across the spectrum. Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder, The Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, captures the essence of Mick's message: "From Ideas to Impact gives us reason for hope. It proves change can happen when we begin dialogues with those whose actions we may not like!" The book releases on April 9th but be sure to pre-order the book today! Anyone who preorders before April 9th, and who emails Michael their receipt at michael.sheldrick@gmail.com, will receive a) a special bonus chapter that includes exclusive content and walks readers through creating their own campaign roadmap AND b) an invite to book launch parties in New York, London, Washington DC, and other locations. https://a.co/d/6vHbJJ1 #SocialImpact #PolicyChange #FromIdeasToImpact