The Virtuous Circle: Solidarity Will Save Globalization

Capitalism has engendered globalization, transforming in its wake our lives and the course of History. But capitalism has not evolved in tune with this new world. The spectacular riches obtained by many are no solace for the many more who experience the unsustainable rise of inequalities. In the countries of the South, people still die of diseases that belong to ancient history in the industrialized countries. Even those countries are not spared by the increase of poverty in their midst and the ensuing resentment at globalization. The economy no longer serves the human element.

For decades, responses to the paradoxes of globalization and the horrific absurdity of deaths due to underdevelopment have mostly consisted in calls for outrage or resignation. We reject the latter alternative by proposing a vision based on the successful experiences of UNITAID, an international institution which gathers governments from all continents, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs as well as private foundations, to fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The millions of lives saved or improved by UNITAID demonstrate that innovative governance can turn the world as we see it into a world fit for all. Tomorrow, we will all be richer for having fought inequalities.

This is our vision: solidarity is the future of globalization, a new strand of solidarity embracing the dynamics of capitalism and the aspirations of societies.