By Suzanne Maxx ©
The UN is back in session, and the world looks for “Specific Measurable Results” towards global transformation.
Yves de Boer, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, has said the key to the success of the Copenhagen conference – also known as COP15 – will be how much industrialized countries (Defined as “Developed”) are willing to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases and how much India and China (Defined as “Developing”) are willing to limit the growth of their emissions.
Perhaps there is a better way to define a country? To work with countries of our world within the framework of the words the UN has labeled as “Developed,” “Developing, and Least Developed”, has an orientation of values that may not be in the best interest of humanity’s future on this planet earth.
Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations, defined a developed country as follows. “A developed country is one that allows all its citizens to enjoy a free and healthy life in a safe environment.”
Perceptions of freedom, safety and health can be relative. It is important to consider that presently there is no established convention for the designation of “developed” and “developing” countries or areas in the United Nations system.
Do these words, defining how each country can play in the world game restrict our world? Is there a better way to define countries that will inspire better co-operation, a more level playing field, so all countries can approach global treaties truly looking out for the benefit of humanity? If we are going to use defining words, perhaps there could be an established convention for designation? World Team Now seeks alternative definitions.
