Are we living in a world that we all want to live in? Would we be leaving behind a world that we want

our children and grandchildren live in? Most people, even most of those who think things are going the way they want them to, would not answer these questions affirmatively.  

We live in a world at war with itself. The change in climate is real...we don’t need climate scientists to tell us so. We have witnessed the most devastating pandemic with lasting economic consequences. There was real fear at the start of the pandemic that a large proportion of Africa’s population could be wiped out. This should remain a serious concern for Africans if they don’t develop sufficient medical discovery and development capabilities. The political instability and the potential for global harm must taken very seriously. Wealth distribution is unfair within nations and across the world. And the powerful often oppress the poor. This way, the world cannot be a sustainable place.

I believe most people prefer to see a better world; at peace with itself. A hospitable climate. Sustainable development for all. Institutions equipped to provide quality services for all. 

The question is what can we do to bring about a different world, a better world? Do we feel empowered enough to take the small steps needed to make a difference for the coming generation?  

Partnership may be one thing we can all engage in. 

We need to fight cynicism. 

I am aware that new ways of thinking about partnership is needed. Recently, we proposed a new model of academic partnership that may be a model for all partnerships. In this partnership model, we borrow heavily on the capabilities thinking from economics. We propose refocusing the outcomes of partnership around empowering and enabling partners to have more freedom and choice. Value is a very important consideration. What values drive us when we engage in partnerships?

We also think that partnerships should take a longer-term perspective. And systems need to be in place for longer-term engagement and lasting benefits that we all value. 

We also need a different politics. The current political system, based on intense competition and winning at all costs, is likely to threaten global welfare.  

One more thing: partnership is probably not the best word. Because of its long history of association with business, thoughts of profit (what is in it for me?) follows immediately. Even within the sustainable development agenda, while partnership takes a central role, the relationship is framed from a business perspective and in relation to benefiting ‘least developed countries’ achieve sustainable development. This seems an error. Partnership benefits all if the right approaches are taken. In essence, I think, we do not have the right language to capture a values-driven, mutually beneficial long-term relationship that is forged irrespective of current capabilities and opportunities.  

There cannot place for cynicism. We have to make partnership, with or without a new terminology, work. 

Thank you for being our partner.