Inside This Issue

In support of the HS4A global campaign on Human Security For All initiated by the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security and the World Academy of Art & Science.

This is the second in a series of Cadmus special issues in connection with the Human Security for All (HS4A) Campaign being conducted by WAAS and the UN Trust Fund for Human Security. As we approach the halfway mark in the UN’s Agenda 2030 program, we observe a widening gap between the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by 193 nations in 2015 and global performance on the achievement of these goals by 2030. This gap is a compelling argument for adopting approaches capable of accelerating global progress on the SDGs.

All of the goals have one more thing in common. They all directly relate to and impact the central objective of ensuring Human Security for All. Human Security is the common denominator, cross-roads and intersection connecting all dimensions of our planetary environment with all dimensions of life on this planet. Peace, environmental health, social equity and human security are inseparable. Each of the SDGs is essential for meeting the main dimensions of Human Security adopted by the UN—food security, health security, economic security, political security, environmental security, community security and human rights. Human Security is the cross-cutting theme that links them all together. Human Security is the thread that links the security, health and well-being of humanity with the stability and health of the planet.

Human Security goes beyond traditional notions of national security and competitive security to encompass the well-being and dignity of individuals and communities and their interconnections with the larger whole. It encompasses a broad range of concerns, including economic, social, political, food, health and environmental aspects. This holistic approach acknowledges that security cannot be achieved through military might alone but through addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability and inequality. It emphasizes the inherent worth of each individual, acknowledging their right to live in safety, with access to basic needs, justice, and opportunities for growth.

The thought-provoking articles, insightful analysis, and compelling narratives in this issue are intended to deepen our understanding of the challenges and possibilities inherent in securing the well-being of individuals and communities around the world. They cover topics ranging from poverty alleviation and sustainable development to gender equality, peacebuilding, and environmental sustainability. They offer unique perspectives and valuable insights into the complex interplay of forces that shape human security.

HS4A is an impassioned call to action—a catalyst for dialogue, inspiration, and innovative solutions to confront the urgent issues of our time. By bringing together diverse voices and interdisciplinary perspectives, we hope to contribute to the ongoing discourse on human security and foster the identification of innovative approaches and catalytic strategies to accelerate global progress at this crucial juncture in human history.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Editors