Global Issues

The word ‘global’ can sometimes seem pretty vast and when you attach ‘issues’ to it, the phrase can appear even scarier and farther away from our everyday lives. We often question how we, as individuals or even groups, can do something on such a large scale.

The truth is, whoever we are and wherever we are, we’re all affected by complex, interdependent forces which transcend national or cultural boundaries. While our experiences will differ in various ways, depending on where we are born and the opportunities available to us, we need to acknowledge that we’re connected by our humanity and the more we understand the issues affecting us globally, the more equipped we are to tackle problems and come up with solutions.

We live in a time of unparalleled technological advancement, yet the benefits of these advances are restricted to a privileged few. A lifesaving medicine, such as antiretroviral drugs which can hugely improve the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS, can cost ten times as much in Sub-Saharan Africa, where AIDS is prevalent, than in Western Europe where the need, whilst present, is much less pronounced. In vast parts of the world, electricity and the benefits it brings by way of refrigeration, light and warmth just can’t be provided.

With this in mind, how we should all respond is simple. Rather than let these global forces simply take their course, we need to be interested, inquisitive and critical beings. So, join the UYDO community today in engaging with and learning about global issues. Together, we can stand united against poverty, inequality and injustice!