Human Security?

Those who know me know that I love to organize, plan events and to meet people. So what better job could there be than that of a conference organizer? I really enjoy my job and I am quite happy that I spent the past few months working with Initiatives of Change. The Human Security conference promises to be not only interesting, but inspiring.

Sitting here on the third floor in Caux, admiring the absolutely gorgeous view outside, I realize that I am both nervous and anxious for the conference to begin. Participants start arriving today. CB and MM come sometime this afternoon and so do our other conference assistants. It's been great so far, and I've enjoyed welcoming Caux scholar alumni and other participants to Caux. I am so excited about this Human Insecurity conference and once it begins, I know I'll want it to last forever:) In light of my excitement, I have been reflecting on human insecurity.

What does "Addressing the Root Causes of Human Insecurity" mean to the world and how can the idea of human security be translated into a reality that the average person understands and can implement into his daily life? Recent press coverage on security has been overwhelmingly aimed at a discussion on national security- terrorism, war and conflict. But how is human security different than national security and how do we (you and I) work together to address this difference?

When I think of human security, I think of basic needs such as water, food, shelter and protection from armed conflict. In the media, in addition to articles on war and conflict, we now find ourselves bombarded by a new type of articles that discuss environmental security, economic security and food security, instead of only "national security." Topics that may not have been on your and my agenda before this year are now at the center of our conversations and our attention. How do we deal with higher food prices and the escalating price of gas? The conflict is no longer a world way; it has come home and it is now affecting our daily lives. How do we work together to solve these problems, not just after they occur but before? Can we work together in an efficient manner? How can Initiatives of Change add new inspiration and provide, through its spiritual emphasis, a new dimension of examining human security?

These questions and others will be answered in the Caux Forum on Human Security taking place in Caux between July 18 and July 23rd. We are in the process of setting up a Human Security conference blog for your input. Keep reading and I'll provide that web link as soon as it's ready.