Poverty

Developing regions are most affected by wars in 21st Century

Poverty is more than the lack of income and resources to ensure a sustainable livelihood. Poverty prevents growth and crushes life potential. Children are especially vulnerable to the terrible impacts of poverty. Its manifestations include hunger and malnutrition; limited access to jobs, education, health and other basic services; social discrimination; structural violence and exclusion, as well as a lack of participation in decision-making. Global economies are bent on a scramble for resources, involving both internal and foreign forces, and contributing to the root cause of most conflicts. MLT requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies and systems aimed at eradicating poverty, which will eventually help to end war in the developing regions.

Issues: About

Accountability

War and extreme poverty mostly impact countries that lack effective structures for accountability

The world is witnessing the recurrence, longevity and diffusion of conflict and transnational crime, the incidence and severity of disasters, a degradation of the environment, depletion of natural resources, and volatility in societies previously characterised as stable, including the proliferation of financial crises, autocratic rule and various forms of inequality. These trends are interconnected. The threats of international crime and corruption, exploitation of vulnerable populations, violence against children, human trafficking and sexual violence must be addressed in order to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. Respect for human rights depends on access to justice for all and the building of effective, accountable institutions at all levels. Concerted, community-based action is needed to address the root causes of crisis and to prevent brewing tensions from escalating into full-blown conflict. Transitional justice mechanisms are critical to restore confidence in the rule of law and build peace. MLT requires us to support the reform of legal systems and to put in place more efficient and transparent regulations that will strengthen independent national human rights, justice and accountability institutions around the world.

Issues: About

Climate

Climate Change increases the risk of war and poverty

Climate change is now affecting every country on every continent. It is disrupting national and global economies and affecting lives; costing people, communities and countries dearly today and even more tomorrow. Sea levels are rising, the glacial footprint is decreasing and weather events are becoming more extreme as greenhouse gas emissions are now at their highest levels in history. The race for limited resources at the expense of harming the environment is a recipe for future conflict, and ever increasing numbers of climate refugees. Without action, the world’s average surface temperature is likely to surpass 3 degrees centigrade in this century. The poorest and most vulnerable people are most affected and least able to protect themselves. MLT requires us to pursue a range of immediate and long-term measures that will reduce emissions and increase adaptation and innovation to keep the promise of the Paris Agreement.

Issues: About

Techology

Technology can serve as both an instrument of peace and a weapon of war

Technology is central to nearly every major challenge and opportunity the world faces today, be it for security, energy, livelihood, communication, transport, infrastructure, climate change, food production, education or healthcare. Technology is at the nexus of poverty and conflict, compounding both the opportunities and the risks, becoming either an instrument of inclusion and positive social change, or a potential source of exclusion, exploitation and conflict. A new outlook on arms control and nuclear disarmament, and a restructuring of the economy of war, is critical to creating a world without wars. There is a need to focus on the macroeconomic implications of technology change, as well as technological applications for specific development challenges. Peacebuilding cannot happen without dynamic intervention of science and technology. GPP requires us to invest in technology that can help prevent war and assist people in working their way out of poverty, and also requires more focus on regulatory frameworks and innovative technology models to shift from an economy of war to an economy of peace.

Issues: About