BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY
on Least Developed Countries
- Brussels, May 2001
We find ourselves today at a
critical point in the history of humanity at which we are being called upon to
make major changes. The list of problems in the world increases and while we
have tried to find the reasons and solutions for them in terms of politics and
economics, yet the cycle of cause and effect continues.
It is increasingly evident that the “outer” state of the
world is a reflection of the “inner” state of its citizens. Therefore the
solutions must also come from the non-material aspects of our existence; the
cultural, moral, ethical and spiritual dimensions.
The sharing of material resources by
those who possess them is vital for progress, and the compassion to uplift
others from poverty will become the foundation of our global relationships.
However, economic development is not the only measure of the quality of human
life. True development must start by acknowledging our human resources, and
using them for the benefit of all. Only when we invest in human resources can
economic and material structures be effectively developed and sustained in the
long term. The real poverty that needs to be eradicated is spiritual poverty,
where the values that exist in every individual have become depleted, resulting
in the peacelessness and suffering that we see in the world today. This is the
challenge which now faces every country and every human being.
The ultimate aim of every country is
surely to achieve peace and prosperity.
To move towards this goal, spiritual values such as honesty,
determination, commitment and responsibility need to be cultivated in each and
every individual and implemented by leaders and governments. Such
transformation results in stability, security and an environment of trust, and
doorways are then opened for co-operation from other actors.
We cannot underestimate the importance of
such human resources, and we find that in this respect the LDCs could indeed be
considered to be wealthy. Creativity, resourcefulness, intricate social
organisation, traditional knowledge and a rich cultural heritage that has
evolved over hundreds of years are resources to be valued.
The world would be a poorer place without
the richness of these cultures. However, we need to recognise that culture is
dynamic: it is not meant to be static -
it needs to respond and adapt positively to existing circumstances,
whilst putting aside traditional practices that no longer serve the people. In
this way we can move forward from the past and open the doors to the future.
The wealth and power of the human spirit
has to be rediscovered.
All actors have a common responsibility
in this process of transformation: governments through their political will and
their honesty, civil society (including NGOs) through their solidarity and
commitment, developed countries through their generosity, and finally the
people themselves through their sense of dignity and determination. Education
programmes based on values and the empowerment of the individual are an
investment for the future in shaping
the common destiny of the LDCs and the developed world.