Processes and strategies for change

This paper argues that we are at a dangerous junction in human history where the institutions and mechanisms that we have set up to govern Planet Earth are in danger of collapsing. This threat is all the more disconcerting because we live in an era of unparalleled affluence and prosperity. What is missing is an updated global governance system to harness the great promise afforded by globalisation and technological change.

This is a proposal to set up a high-level task force, the “Club of Athens” to investigate alternative scenarios for better global governance in the twenty-first century. The Club would include former heads of governments, business leaders, academics and representatives of civil society. It would have a limited life span of three years and a clear agenda: to propose ways and means to better manage what is proving to be one of the most difficult challenges of our times Globalisation – in order to humanize and democratize the process and make its benefits available to all.