Political forces
Political leaders bear part of the responsibility by hardening positions that sanctify ideas which an honest examination would reveal as quite relative. Political, economic or community leaders hardly set an example: they practice sincere dialogue too little, the kind that leads to win‑win agreements. How many improvements in the living conditions of millions of people on Earth have failed this way!
Educational intent
Educational programs that teach and put into practice negotiation, constructive communication and the development of empathy from childhood are rare, even though they are essential to forming individuals capable of dialogue and positive compromise.
Citizen pressure
Too often, local, national or international cooperation institutions are forgotten, neglected or mocked by those in power. It is urgent for citizens to wake up, as the deterioration is accelerating. They must demand citizen participation, ask to be involved in decisions, request accountability… By valuing cooperation, trust in institutions will be strengthened.
Media responsibility
When excessive polarization reaches the media sphere, endowed with considerable power, the social body loses an instrument of pacification. Responsible media have a crucial role to play by fostering honest social dialogue. The idea that confrontation boosts audience numbers is harmful. Humanity loves and demands far more positive and constructive stories, calm messages and honest dialogues that give the energy of hope.
Cultural shifts
Everything calls us to order: wars are still here, misery too, human rights—slowly built for the common good—are mocked, and an overheated Earth cries out… We cannot avoid developing mediation structures in personal, community or international conflicts to reduce tensions and find amicable solutions. More than ever, we need to develop exchanges between different cultures and social groups so that the deadly tension of sterile confrontations recedes, confrontations that worsen humanity’s suffering.
Michel SEYRAT
