Over the past few years we have witnesses an increase in the
global community and global leaders coming together to respond to global
issues. As such, I have provided below a summary of a few global policies and
initiatives I have learnt about as part of my individual research in Global
Citizenship. Dissimilarly, many government policies and initiatives have sent
us in the wrong direction on our journey for Global Citizenship. As part of my
research I will also explore these as challenges to Global Citizenship.
G20: The G20 Summit
The G20 is an international summit consisting of 19
countries and several world banks to conduct global responsibility greater than
any one organisation with the ambition of making decisions that strengthen the
international economy. Such policies have a benefit for everyone as
economically speaking a stronger economy will allow more jobs, better wages and
more opportunities for everyone. As the G20 nations make up a considerable
amount of the world economy the platform is integral for discussions on world
trade. The 2014 summit facilitated key conversations on the idea of a global
trading system. Such a system would see a boom in local economies and an
increase in global trade and would have enormous effects on globalisation, particular
within those of emerging economies. It provides itself as a forum for countries
to possibly overcome some of their barriers to global citizenship and
potentially act as better global citizens. More information on the G20 can be
found here (http://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/g20/)
Health:
Australia: Australian healthcare is ranked amongst the
best in the world. This is a result of our publicly funded health care system
that provides basic level medical support to all Australian citizens.
Additionally, citizens may opt to purchase private health care to gain cover
for services that are not included as part of the policy (e.g. dentistry). Such
a system ensures that everyone regardless of socioeconomic status has access to
medical treatment. More information on the Australian health care system can be
found here (http://apo.org.au/commentary/health-policy-australia)
US (Obamacare): Traditionally,
the United states has been known for having a poor health care system. More
recently a push by the Obama government has pushed for an “affordable health
care” system. The policy aims to create a more affordable health care system
through regulation, subsidies and taxes that should eliminate the unethical
practices of for-profit healthcare providers. This kind of political reform
highlights how as global citizens we can recognise the need and the benefit of
political policy is providing services that fulfil basic human needs. An
informative video on Obamacare can be found here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQG8eZs8AJc)
Personally, I believe that sound policy on health allows
countries to fulfil their social obligation to each other. For this reason I
believe that health care systems that are based on tax payers money being
invested into this industry is a fundamental way of providing the basic cover
that individuals need to survive. My own experience while travelling to my home
country as an adult now has widened my world completely on this area. In Romania it is a common cultural norm to
bribe or give gifts to medical practitioners to receive health care treatment. This is simply outrageous as it unfortunately
means that many people from lower socio-economic backgrounds receive no medical
care for diseases that can easily be remedied with western medicine.
Refugee Policy:
Australia: Migration
and Refugee policy has always been a debateable topic in Australia for a long
time. Recently, the Abbott government has released a refugee policy commonly
known as the “stop the boats” campaign that has been described as both
merciless and punitive (The
Age, 2014). The policy of which has gained global criticism because of its
in humain “turn back” tactics that often leave asylum seekers with no
government assistance. The legal capacity of Australian military to do so has also
been questioned with the UN and Australian Human Rights Commission condemning
the policy. The more devastating costs of the policy are outlined here
(http://theconversation.com/the-boats-may-have-stopped-but-at-what-cost-to-australia-30455)
Pakistan: Pakistan takes host of the most refugees
in the world with a staggering 1.5 million registered. I found this
particularly staggering in light of the attitude Australia has towards refugees,
especially when I discovered that Pakistan provides land for refugees as well
as education and healthcare. More importantly, Refugee’s and there refugee
standards are increasingly on the Pakistan political agenda with a strong focus
on creating real solutions for people exposed to emergency and conflict. More
information on Pakistan’s refugee policy can be found here (http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e487016.html)
Once again, global events tend to dictate the extent to
which globalisation occurs. In some instances it is essential for humans to
migrate from countries to avoid conflict. If this is the case, as global
citizens I believe we have the responsibility to help out; not just in terms of
financial aid or military aid as these are what I would call band aid
solutions. In the same way I believe Australia has developed a phobia or foul
attitude towards refugee crisis’ and unfortunately with the media attention we
have recently received over the years with conditions in detention centres we
have really tarnished our reputation on global citizenship.
Climate Change
Policies:
Sweeden: In more recent times Sweeden has been put in the global
spotlight for its Governments strong focus on climate change. The sweedish
government has implemented measureable and strategic energy targets and
objectives that promote an incredible increase in renewable energy and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions. The sweedish government also builds global awareness
of the issue through climate conventions and talks with the EU to develop
global action against climate change. For more on sweedens climate change
policies see here (http://www.government.se/sb/d/5745)
Climate change is an issue that effects all of us. As a
result of this Global Issue it is important for countries to act with a global
attitude. This issue will now and in the future really dictate which countries
are in fact true global citizens as countries like sweeten will acknowledge our
individual responsibilities to the earth and each other to prevent climate
change.
In assessing these policies and initiatives it has become
clear that my definition of Global Citizenship has changed extensively to
include the way in which our countries conduct themselves globally,
particularly as compared to other countries. This has shown me our individual responsibly
to lobby governments and organisations to better utilise resources to achieve
higher standards of global citizenship in innovative, ethical and empathetic
ways.
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