Clarion call to tackle challenges of the future


Transforming Nations after the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Denis Caro
The COVID-19 pandemic compels deep reflection on the human condition. My book, Transforming Nations after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Humanitarian and Planetary Systems Perspectives, calls for a different way of viewing future world challenges beyond the pandemic. It shows how all human endeavours are interconnected as a world community. The humanitarian issues of education, food and water security, health care and healthy environments remain primordial. The pandemic has also revealed the fragility of socioeconomic systems and the vulnerabilities of infrastructures, such as supply and distribution chain systems, and governance structures.

In a post-COVID-19 era, I posit that there will be five great global threats that will ultimately test the collective creativity, fortitude and resolve of humankind. In the face of these threats, this book examines the common humanitarian and governance challenges of 12 key nations that will have an enormous impact on the future of the global community. Canada is one of the key world strategic influencers that will shape the future landscape of the 21st century. The themes underscore the importance of preventing humanitarian problems, being prepared for new threats and challenges and never losing sight of the common human values around the world.
The importance of mutual dialogue and understanding between peoples around the world remains essential. The collective future depends on working together to prevent, mitigate and resolve pending international challenges. The book suggests concrete ways to build stronger nations and a more stable and harmonious world community. None of these solutions are easy or quick fixes to persistent problems. They require education, collective resolve and forward-thinking, positive leadership.
The book was written to honour the memory of my parents and their roots in a war-torn and devastated Europe. It is based on my research and reflections on human conditions, life experiences and extensive training in emergency management systems, health care systems and information technology.
The themes of this book underscore the importance of caring, courage and hope in the face of humanitarian obstacles. Peace and constructive values form the key foundation of this work. The essential message is a clarion call to world youth to assume the challenges of the future with courage, ingenuity, determination and resolve.
Denis HJ Caro, Ph.D., MBA, MHA, CHE is a professor emeritus with the University of Ottawa after a teaching and research career in health care in Canada and internationally. He has called the Glebe his home for close to 40 years and cherishes endearing people in this wonderful community. He is a veteran pedestrian and cyclist who has never owned a car nor a house.