We need solutions for global problems. That should be obvious. And yet global problems are often poorly understood, ignored by policymakers and met with resignation by the public at large. We must – and will – change this. But we first need to better understand what global problems are, why they are difficult to tackle, and why and how it is urgent to do so nonetheless.
First, global problems are “orphan problems,” which means that no country is willing and able to tackle them on its own. Instead, countries need to collaborate to make any significant progress. Such collaboration is difficult, since most instruments of policy are located at the national level and are steered by politicians who generally see themselves responsible to their citizens, not the entirety of humanity.
Second, global problems are systemic, involving the interaction between economic, political, social and environmental systems. These are “wicked problems” because their many interdependent factors make them impossible to solve precisely or decisively. On this account, the analysis of global problems will always remain work in progress and the solution proposals will always be subject to further investigation, refinement or amendment. Many of the global problems are difficult to define accurately, existing definitions are always open to revision, and for the defined global problems, our understanding of their determinants is always incomplete.
Third, many global problems threaten humanity significantly and urgently. Climate change threatens the future of much of life on Earth. Financial instability can throw millions out of their jobs and cause resentments that tear societies apart. Thus, the “wickedness” of the problems is categorically NOT a rationale for inaction. We must act, but with humility and open-mindedness, drawing on evidence-based research, along with the practical experience of decision makers in government, business and civil society.
Our task is to be a force for the global good in a world that we do not adequately understand.
Fourth, global problems require different stakeholders to work together. National governments must mobilize their policies, laws, regulations and practices for the global public good, highlighting how this also promotes the national good in the presence of shared global problems. International organizations must pursue this goal by adapting their remits in accordance with their constitutions, rules and practices. Businesses must become global problem-solvers within the constraints of their legal requirements, regulatory compliance and codes of conduct. Grassroots civil society organizations must address global problems by mobilizing social norms, moral values and social identities.
Fifth, the most challenging global problems are the shared problems. Problems such as pandemic response and nuclear proliferation cannot be addressed by any country acting in isolation; instead, they call for the cooperation of many countries. Shared problems require countries to formulate common goals, decide jointly on their pathways towards achieving these goals, monitor their progress in this regard, and set rewards for helpful behaviors and sanctions and sanctions for unhelpful ones to provide a level playing field for overcoming these problems.
Sixth, global problems cannot be solved exclusively through top-down directives, such as international agreements on climate action. Top-down policies are illegitimate and ineffective unless they are accompanied by bottom-up initiatives. Legitimate global problem-solving requires that people be involved in the decisions that affect them.
The Global Solutions Initiative lies at the intersection between the top-down and bottom-up approaches, bringing policymakers, business decision-makers, researchers and civil society representatives together in flexible formats to develop and implement proposed global solutions.
Seventh, global problems are not to be solved by one-size-fits-all policies. While shared global problems require agreement on common goals, they need to be pursued through diverse pathways, in accordance with countries diverse social, political, economic and environmental conditions. To approach common goals through diverse practical pathways, these pathways need to be monitored, accompanied by policy incentives for helpful behaviors and policy disincentives for unhelpful ones.
The Global Solutions Initiative brings together multiple stakeholders: governments, civil society, international organizations, academia, and business to bring about solutions for global problems. That’s the raison d’être of our organization. We are envisioning a global economic system that benefits policy, people and planet. Our mission, to mobilize change to recouple economic prosperity with social and environmental prosperity, supports this objective.
It’s time to tackle global problems. We invite you to work and collaborate with us to create solutions for these important global challenges.