Global society (for sustainable development)

Global society refers to the idea of a worldwide community of people who are interconnected through various means, such as technology, trade, culture, and communication. It suggests a sense of shared existence and mutual dependency among individuals and nations across the globe. In essence, "global society" embodies the concept of a networked human community that understands the interconnectedness of cultures, economies and political systems as a holistic socio-economic system on the planet. It reflects the growing interdependence and interaction of people on a global scale.

Origins of the term

The word “global” stems from the Latin word "globus," meaning "round mass" or "sphere." In modern usage, "global" refers to something that encompasses the entire world or pertains to all parts of the world. It implies a scope that is worldwide, crossing national boundaries and involving international interactions. The word "society" originates from the Latin "societas," which is derived from "socius," meaning "companion" or "associate." "Society" refers to a group of individuals who live together in a structured community, often sharing laws, traditions, and values. It implies an organized system of relationships among people.

The term "global society" refers to the interconnectedness of people across the world through technology, trade, culture, and communication. It reflects the idea of a shared human community that transcends national boundaries, driven by the growing interdependence of economies, political systems, and cultures. The concept also encompasses various aspects of globalization, including the rise of a global community, the development of international society, and the notion of global citizenship.

The concept of a "global society" is often discussed alongside various related terms that each bring their own nuances to our understanding of worldwide interconnectedness. Globalization emphasizes the process by which economies, cultures, and governments become intertwined on a global scale, fostering a sense of interdependence among nations. Meanwhile, the idea of a global community highlights the collective interests and shared responsibilities of people across the world, reflecting a sense of solidarity. In the realm of international relations, international society and world society are terms used to describe the structured interactions and social processes that span across borders. Global village, popularized by Marshall McLuhan, captures the shrinking of distances through modern communication technologies, creating a sense of closeness despite geographic separation. Transnational society and cosmopolitan society both underscore the importance of identities and interactions that transcend national boundaries, whether through global networks of non-state actors or the idea of global citizenship. Lastly, global civil society refers to the network of NGOs and advocacy groups working towards global causes, further illustrating the intricate web of connections that define our modern world. Together, these terms help to paint a comprehensive picture of the increasingly interconnected and interdependent nature of life in the 21st century.

The development of the global society is a historical evolutionary process that began a long time ago and continues to accelerate due to science, communication technologies and the increasing education and social maturity of the people.

The socio-evolutionary stages of community building among humans have followed a typical socio-cultural historical process. Initially, communities formed that were capable of more than smaller, isolated groups. This process was consistently driven by two forces: a Bottom-Up approach, fueled by the daily needs and desires of individuals, and a Top-Down approach, guided by governments and leadership. True prosperity and the emergence of larger, stable entities, such as states, only occurred when these two forces successfully converged. On a global scale, however, the Bottom-Up approach faced significant challenges due to barriers such as language differences, geographical distances, and other factors. These obstacles hindered the formation of a truly global community. The invention of the internet, however, has largely overcome these barriers, enabling a new level of global connection and interaction. This technological advancement has bridged the gaps that once limited global community-building, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of human societies on a global level.

Before the invention of the Internet, almost all initiatives based on global co-operation consisted of either theoretical concepts or political initiatives based on the expansion of an empire and were coordinated by a particular philosophical, religious or political elite. Only with the possibility offered by modern internet technologies that everyone can make direct contact with everyone else is it possible for people to establish a worldwide connection in the form of an actual society. With a number of relevant international initiatives, holistic concepts have been developed that take into account the complex interdependencies of living together on the planet.

The Evolution of Global Cooperation

The journey toward global cooperation has been marked by significant milestones that reflect the evolving nature of human interaction and the increasing complexity of global society. From the early days of elite-driven initiatives to the transformative impact of internet technology, each stage has brought humanity closer to a truly interconnected world. The following three stages illustrate how global cooperation has shifted from theoretical and hierarchical concepts to a more inclusive and holistic approach.

Theoretical and Elite-Driven Global Initiatives

Before the invention of the Internet, global cooperation was largely limited to theoretical concepts. Political initiatives were mainly driven by the expansionist ambitions of empires and not by collaboration and joining forces in a peaceful way. Especially some religious initiatives were the first global movements. These efforts were typically coordinated by a specific elite — whether philosophical, religious, or political — who guided and controlled the direction of these global undertakings. The broader population had little direct involvement in shaping the developments, and the reach of such initiatives was constrained by the limitations of communication and the interests of those in power.

Some examples that mark this stage are:

Ancient Periods:

• Vedic Texts (circa 1500-500 BCE): The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in Hinduism translates to "the world is one family," emphasizing unity across humanity.
• Diogenes of Sinope (4th Century BCE): A Cynic philosopher who famously declared himself a "citizen of the world (kosmopolitês), advocating for a cosmopolitan worldview.
• Stoic Philosophers (3rd Century BCE): Stoicism proposed the idea of a world governed by universal rationality and natural law, transcending local customs.

Religious Teachings:

• Buddhism: The Buddha's teachings on universal compassion (Karuna) and loving-kindness (Maitri) reflect early ideas of global responsibility.
• Judaism: The concept of Tikkun Olam emphasizes the duty to repair and improve the world, influencing modern social justice movements.
• Christianity: The Golden Rule ("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you") and Jesus Christ’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount promote universal ethics.
• Islam: The concept of Ummah and the practice of Zakat reflect a global community bound by faith and responsibility towards all, regardless of nationality.
• Bahá'í Faith (19th Century): Advocates for the unity of humanity and the need for global governance, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all people.

Medieval and Early Modern Thought:

• Immanuel Kant (1795): Kant’s essay "Perpetual Peace" envisioned a federation of free states, laying early groundwork for global governance and citizenship.
• Thomas Aquinas (13th Century): Aquinas's discourse on natural law contributed to the later development of universal human rights.

These are some early examples of global thought and religious teachings. They illustrate the foundational ideas that predate modern concepts of global cooperation. However, they represent critical steps in the evolution of global thought, setting the stage for the more inclusive and widespread movements that would emerge in later stages of human history. As we reflect on these early efforts, we can see the seeds of today's global governance and cooperation, rooted in the ancient and philosophical traditions that sought to transcend local boundaries and envision a more interconnected world.

The Advent of Internet-Enabled Global Connectivity

The emergence of modern internet technologies marked a revolutionary shift, enabling direct communication between individuals across the globe. For the first time, people from different parts of the world could establish connections without relying on intermediaries or elite-controlled networks. This stage facilitated the creation of a truly global society, where individuals could interact, share ideas, and collaborate on an unprecedented scale, breaking down barriers that previously hindered worldwide cooperation.

The advent of social media platforms and the widespread adoption of smartphones further accelerated this process. Social media has allowed for the rapid dissemination of information and the formation of global communities based on shared interests, while smartphones have made this connectivity ubiquitous, enabling people to maintain constant contact regardless of location. These technologies have transformed not just the scale but also the speed and intimacy of global interactions, fostering a more interconnected and immediate global society.

Some examples that mark this stage are:

• World Wide Web (1991): The creation of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee enabled global connectivity, allowing people to communicate across borders instantly, which fundamentally altered the dynamics of global interaction.
• Social Media (2002-2006): Platforms like Facebook and X (former Twitter) revolutionized global communication, creating virtual communities that transcended physical boundaries.
• Smartphones (2007): The widespread adoption of smartphones further enhanced global connectivity, making information and communication tools accessible to billions worldwide.

This stage represents a pivotal moment in human history, where technology redefined the possibilities of global interaction, laying the groundwork for a truly interconnected and collaborative global society.

Development of Holistic Global Concepts

Building on the foundation of widespread connectivity, a range of international initiatives have emerged that focus on the complex interdependencies of life on Earth. These initiatives represent a holistic approach to global cooperation, recognizing the intricate relationships between social, economic, and environmental factors. One of the most significant achievements of this phase is the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations. The SDGs are a set of 17 global objectives designed to address critical challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and peace by 2030.

This milestone signifies the maturation of global society into one that actively considers and addresses the multifaceted challenges of living together on a shared planet. The SDGs, in particular, highlight the collective commitment of the world community to create a more sustainable and equitable future, moving beyond isolated efforts to a more integrated and comprehensive form of global collaboration.

Some examples that mark this stage are:

• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): The UDHR, adopted by the United Nations, represents a milestone document in the history of human rights, setting out fundamental human rights to be universally protected and establishing a common standard for all peoples and nations.
• Millennium Development Goals (2000): The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were a set of eight international development goals established by the United Nations to address a range of global issues, including poverty, hunger, disease, gender inequality, and access to education and clean water. These goals laid the groundwork for the later Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing global efforts on measurable targets and fostering international cooperation. The MDGs were instrumental in mobilizing resources and attention towards improving the lives of millions of people in developing countries.
• Global Citizens Movement (2008): Begins to take shape, advocating for a world in which all individuals see themselves as part of a global community.
• Call of the UN Secretary-General (2011): Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged global society to “Help us defend the science that shows we are destabilising our climate and stretching planetary boundaries to a perilous degree." Centre researchers kept planetary boundaries in the forefront of policy-advisory processes leading up to the agreement of the global Sustainable Development Goals. Policy-makers working at national and European levels are also interested, catalysing a research networks like Planetary Boundaries Framwork which links scientists involved in translating the global framework to operational decision-making scales.

• UNESCO's Global Citizenship Education (2012): Launched to foster a sense of belonging to a common humanity and promote responsible global citizenship.

• Sustainable Development Goals (2015): The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed through a comprehensive process, involving consultations with governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders of the global society, including scientists, representatives of indigenous peoples, youth and women's organizations, environmental groups, trade unions, as well as religious and spiritual groups. These 17 global goals aim to promote sustainable development worldwide by 2030, addressing areas such as poverty, health, education, equality, clean water, energy, economic growth, infrastructure, inequality, sustainable cities, consumption, climate protection, oceans, land use, peace, and partnerships. The development of the SDGs was moderated by the United Nations and were adopted by the General Assembly as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015. Subsequently, the global civil society increasingly takes on tasks of shaping their own environment and develops an awareness of global cooperation at all societal levels. Movements arise worldwide that take responsibility for their societal environment through their work. More and more people become aware that human development can and must be shaped in a positive way for nature and humanity.

• Paris Agreement (2016): It stands as a critical milestone in global climate policy, reflecting an unprecedented level of international cooperation. This legally binding treaty aims to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius, with aspirations to keep it under 1.5 degrees Celsius. By requiring countries to submit and update their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years, the agreement fosters a dynamic, long-term strategy for climate action. The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of global solidarity, recognizing that the climate crisis transcends national borders. It underlines the necessity for both developed and developing countries to work together, with developed nations providing financial and technical assistance to those most vulnerable. This collective effort symbolizes a broader commitment to a sustainable and equitable global society, where the responsibility for combating climate change is shared by all nations.

This stage signifies a critical advancement in global collaboration, where the interdependence of social, economic, and environmental factors is increasingly recognized and addressed through comprehensive frameworks. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement illustrate this shift towards a more integrated global approach, emphasizing collective action and shared responsibility. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that global challenges require coordinated responses, fostering a more sustainable and equitable world. As global society continues to evolve, the commitment to these holistic frameworks will be crucial in shaping a resilient and cooperative future.

Evolving Resilient Global Governance

The current evolutionary stage focuses on the creation and institutionalization of Resilient Global Governance structures. In this stage, the development is to build a global governance system that is capable of withstanding, adapting to, and recovering from the complex and unpredictable challenges of the modern world. These challenges include everything from pandemics and climate change to economic instability and geopolitical conflicts.

The core of this stage lies in its adaptability, ensuring that global institutions can evolve and remain effective even as new challenges arise. This adaptability is crucial for the resilience of governance systems in the face of rapidly changing global conditions. This stage also emphasizes the importance of redundancy, creating multiple layers of governance and backup systems to prevent total breakdowns in the face of crises. Inclusivity is another crucial aspect, involving a wide range of stakeholders — from governments and international organizations to the private sector and civil society — to ensure diverse perspectives and needs are incorporated into decision-making.

Sustainability is at the heart of this approach, with a focus on long-term solutions that address root causes rather than short-term fixes. Crisis management mechanisms are developed to allow for rapid coordination and effective response to global emergencies, ensuring that the world can quickly recover and move forward. Additionally, this stage promotes continuous learning and innovation, encouraging governance structures to evolve based on past experiences and new knowledge, thereby enhancing their capacity to address future challenges effectively.

Ongoing efforts by global civil society to address urgent global issues include a wide array of initiatives aimed at reforming international institutions, advancing sustainable development, and fostering global cooperation. Some of these examples are:

• Earth Charter Initiative (2000), promoting global ethics for sustainability and peace.
• Global Compact (2000), a United Nations initiative encouraging businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies.
• International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) (2007), a coalition working to eliminate nuclear weapons globally.
• Global Partnership for Effective Development Co-operation (GPEDC) (2011), aimed at improving the effectiveness of international aid and development cooperation.
• UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) (2012), which mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development.
• Generation Unlimited (GenU) (2018) - Launched by the United Nations, GenU is a global partnership aimed at helping young people aged 10-24 to become productive and engaged citizens by connecting them to opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The initiative focuses on creating impactful, scalable solutions to improve the lives of young people worldwide.
• Global People’s Assembly (2020), a platform for civil society organizations to collaborate on global governance reforms.
• Global Governance Forum (2020), which facilitates dialogue on reforming global governance systems to meet 21st-century challenges.
• World ID (2021), an initiative designed to provide universal identification and enhance global citizenship.
• Global Society News (2022), a news agency dedicated to reporting on global governance and civil society efforts.
• Global Society Institute (2023), which focuses on research and policy recommendations for global governance.
• Global Governance Innovation Network (2023) - This initiative focuses on exploring and promoting innovative approaches to global governance challenges. It aims to bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and private sector actors, to develop and implement new strategies for addressing issues like climate change, human rights, and digital governance.
• Global Youth Climate Action Fund (2024) - This fund was established by a collective of youth-led organizations to support climate action projects initiated and managed by young people across the globe. It aims to empower youth to lead climate initiatives in their communities, providing them with the necessary resources and support to make tangible impacts on climate resilience and sustainability.

These are just a few examples of the many initiatives currently driving the evolution of resilient global governance. Countless other efforts, both large and small, are contributing to this critical stage of global development. Each of these initiatives plays a vital role in building a more adaptable, inclusive, and sustainable global soviety.

Post-Truth Era and the "Planet-Wreckers": Also in this stage, a significant backlash against global cooperation emerges, driven by opponents who initiate counter-movements aimed at discrediting international efforts, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These groups often exploit nationalist sentiments, framing global initiatives as part of a broader conspiracy and dismissing fundamental human rights as outdated or irrelevant. This resistance marks the onset of an era of disinformation, where scientific reasoning and logical discourse are increasingly overshadowed by emotionally charged, misleading narratives. These counter-movements pose a serious challenge to the progress of global justice, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights, threatening to undermine the collective efforts needed to address the world's most pressing issues. The General Secretary of the United Nations introduces the term the “Planet-Wreckers”.