Globalization has been a trend for the last couple of years. With the rise of the internet, the relative ease of traveling nowadays, and the increasing international cooperation, people and places are as connected as never before. The COVID-pandemic showcased the negative sides of this trend, but the positive consequences far outweigh the negative ones. And the globalization process is not going to slow down any time soon. So let’s look at what this megatrend has in store for us. You can start by watching this video:
Opportunities of Globalization
Just like with urbanization, globalization is a great chance for people to exchange ideas and collaborate. In a sense, you can think of globalization as urbanization on steroids. We’re moving in the direction of becoming one big global community. This means greater exposure to diversity and different cultures. This will hopefully bring about more understanding and deeper connections. Perhaps soon, we’ll feel like more global citizens than anything else.
Globalization is also a plus for those working on having a global impact. Global challenges need to be solved on a global scale with global collaboration. The more globalized we become, the easier we can develop solutions, implement and spread them.
Challenges of Globalization
Globalization isn’t just an easy-peasy opportunity, it’s also demanding. We need more international alignment to make it work and more global equality. Otherwise, the risk of greater division and international conflict increases because the socio-economic differences will be highlighted to a greater extent the closer our global connection becomes.
In addition, not only ideas, goods and people can move around easier and quicker, but also challenges such as:
- financial crises
- infectious diseases
- the effects of climate change
We’re more interconnected than ever, which means we need a greater sense of global responsibility. If one country acts selfishly, it affects everyone. Additionally, globalization also challenges nationalism and that’s going to be a challenging shift for many – to go from being a citizen of a nation to a citizen of the world. Up until now, nationality has been a great part of our identity and we would have to rethink the way we define ourselves and put ourselves in a bigger context.
What You Can Do
Globalization starts with each of us actively engaging with each other across national borders and cyberspace. So to prepare yourself and support the process towards greater globalization, you can:
- Involve yourself in global communities (for example in our Moonshot Pirates community )
- Start projects impacting the world (for example by joining our #beapirate challenge )
- Learn about other cultures to ease the international interaction and collaboration
- Develop an open mind and a strong sense of curiosity
- Define yourself beyond your nationality, for example through your values, your vision, your interests, and your personality
Millions of years ago, Pangaea connected the world physically. Today, we live in Pangaea 2.0 with technology and inventions connecting us more than ever before. It’s an amazing chance for the world to unify.
So, pirate, are you in? Ready to #thinkbig and be global?
