The Single Most Pressing Issue -- and Solution -- Facing our World Today
When you think of the single most pressing issue that we face as a society, what comes to mind? Perhaps inequality? Perhaps poverty? Terrorism? Or maybe even Climate Change?
For many years, the one and biggest global issue that truly concerned me, for myself, for the people I love, and for future generations was Climate Change. How on Earth (no pun intended) are we supposed to move forward when we are literally destroying the only home we have? Climate Change threatens our very existence. Although the warming of the planet is a very real and frightening threat for our present and our future, I now know this is not the most pressing issue that we face as a society.
Education is not only the single most pressing issue that we face, but it is also the solution to every single one of our problems. Quality education for all is the answer to everything.
I truly believe education can solve absolutely any problem that we face. When people are well educated and informed about any issue, they are more likely to take action and to find ways to solve the problem. They are also more likely to hold their governments or people in power accountable. At no other point in history have we been more environmentally aware, have done more for gender equality, or for diversity, than today, and I believe that education has achieved that progress. The internet, and social media in particular, has given an unprecedented opportunity for many professionals, experts, teachers, journalists, activists, every-day people, and in particular, young people, to use it as a platform to inform, educate, and engage people from all corners of the globe. Social media has inspired the global community, and especially, has inspired young people to know that they are never too young -- or too old -- to take action and to become leaders in their communities.
Without education, we have nothing. Without education, we would not be able to solve the biggest issues facing the world today. Education is not just learning a set of skills, it is about problem-solving, it is learning about your neighbors, exposing you to new ideas, to new challenges, to new ways of looking at the same thing. It opens up your mind, it consumes your soul. Education truly can change communities, regions, and the world.
Never stop learning new things, because tomorrow, it could be you changing the world.
