What can you do?

(Click for larger poster)

Now that you have learned about the major challenges facing today’s world, the obvious question to ask is: what can you do to help? This is how Secretary-General Kofi Annan replies to this question.

More and more, young people are asking me this encouraging question: What can I do to make things better? My advice is always start by learning and looking around you. Get to know people whose lives are different from yours. Find out what you have in common with them. Build bridges of understanding with them. It is only by doing so that we can truly appreciate the worth of others. We do so whether we are sharing our lunch with someone sitting next to us, or exchanging e-mail greetings with someone at the other end of the world.

Computers and modems help us talk and listen to each other across oceans. But that would not do us much good if we did not already have a lot in common. Every society needs shared values: for our global society, that is respect for our equal human rights. We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skins -- but we all belong to one human race. We are all part of the same human family -- and when one part of that family does well, we all do better. So we want to help others to have the same opportunities we have.

"If something has not been done before, it does not mean it can't be done; it only means you could be the first to do it."

Once you have created a bridge with others, keep it open by talking to each other and, above all, by listening. This is what I try to do in my job as Secretary-General, because I know that once I have built up trust with someone, we can work to change things together. So can you. When you see something that is wrong, no matter how big the problem is, ask yourself: Who else would like to change this? How can we work together? Take action with others who share your conviction. Have the courage to believe you can make a difference. As with everything in life, small steps count. If something has not been done before, it does not mean it can't be done; it only means you could be the first to do it.

 

Kofi Annan
Secretary-General
United Nations