11/06/2020
It is the time for new narratives. The neoliberal stories of the 20th and 21st century were supposed to have brought us much progress, joy and freedom. But, as the Covid-19 pandemic tragically reveals, the neoliberal narrative has not led to neither, but to human despair and loneliness, social disintegration, ecological destruction, poverty and inequality and to a deepening sense of insecurity. From socio-economic, political and psychological impacts to religious and moral re-evaluations, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought the human community to the edge of deep questioning on the one hand, and creativity on the other. We are now faced with two choices: (a) to return to what is certain and familiar, and the story of poverty, gender violence, inequality, ecological destruction and social exclusion or (b) take our chances in the uncertainties of a future that is still to be shaped. We must script the new story of our region, together; it cannot be otherwise. This is our task, not someone else’s." This podcast series on Re-envisioning development for the Pacific - allows us to have conversations and confront the issue. The first podcast by Professor Vijay Naidu provides and overview of development in general in the Pacific, where it has led us, and where we need to go. Releasing this first podcast - June 12, 2020. Stay tuned.
