Breaking barriers

Ultra-nationalists, focused only on making their 'own' country, race and religion great again, have an antithetical approach to fostering a united world in the face of global challenges, such as climate change. Sages remind us that we live in an interconnected world-and whether issues are related to economics, environment or health, we rely on global cooperation rather than on isolated endeavours. This is especially true when addressing global problems such as climate change, degradation of ecosystems and the consequent destruction of numerous species and their habitats.

In such an environment, it is important to explore the African Ubuntu philosophy, based on happy, mutual coexistence: "I am because you are." Ubuntu asserts that individuals are not isolated beings; we are interconnected and derive our humanity through relationships with others.

In Indic philosophical tradition, Pratityasamutpada, the theory of dependent origination, is imperative to Buddhist central tenets. Nothing in this world has an independent origin, including shunayata or emptiness. Geography and borders ought to be seen as conveniences rather than as impediments. Withdrawing from common platforms and economic, cultural and intellectual exchanges, for example, might not be such a good idea when instant communication tools have virtually broken down all barriers.