GLOBAL disruptions — such as economic crises, pandemics, wars, and natural disasters — can significantly impact charitable giving to those in need.
During such crises, economic instability often reduces disposable income, leading to a decline in donations. Additionally, shifting priorities may direct funds toward different causes based on political motives.
A good example would be US President Donald Trump’s decision, to align overseas spending with his ‘America First’ approach by curtailing the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which delivered billions of dollars in humanitarian aid overseas and employed 10,000 people.
Programmes related to global health, food assistance, and poverty alleviation were particularly affected by the decision, reducing resources for some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Has the disruptive world order caused by the advances of technology, geo-political conflicts, power-grabbing, long wars, climate change, among other factors, resulted in a world that has grown colder and less kind?
Are people looking towards resolving their own needs at home before turning a helping hand towards neighbours and strangers?
STORM-ASIA asked its readers for their thoughts on this topic. Here is a selection of responses.
EACH MAN CHASES HIS WEALTH
Dom Meli, Principal, People At Their Best
The antecedents of this moment we find ourselves in was unleashed in the early 1980s, when kindness and empathy were replaced by a competitiveness and individualism which has been accelerating ever since.
The loss has been a belief in the ‘common wealth’ and the ‘enlightenment’ philosophy that we can, through reason and logic, improve the world and the wealth of all people. The very philosophy that through helping others we help ourselves has been jettisoned for the neo-liberal belief that everyone is responsible for themselves, an individual, competitive world order, underpinned by a perverted religious gospel that those who ‘do not have’ are somehow to blame for their lot because they don’t deserve any better.
This has accelerated in the last 12-months to the point where not only has every aspect of life been monetised but people now attempt to maximise, in a financial sense, every domain of their lives. In this world, there is simply no place for kindness.
The outcome is that we do not live in a society (let alone a community) but instead in a marketplace.
This breeds a ‘dog-eat-dog’ existence, an uber-competitive battle for everything.
ALSO READ: The High Cost Of Smoking
Unfortunately, empathy is a superpower, and without it being actively practiced, we will struggle to create real value, at least in any sustainable way. In fact, a human’s very ability to create value today, rests on an ability to demonstrate empathy, now that machines can pretty much do everything else that was once the province of humans.
Empathy To Build
Empathy is also the foundation of co-operation and, in this sense, it is an evolutionary imperative and without it we will devolve or, at the very least, cease to progress.
USA Supreme Court Judge, Louis D. Brandeis, said of the US: “We can have democracy in this country, or we can have great wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, but we can’t have both.”
It is a tragedy that the lack of kindness and empathy and the dominance of individualism, consumption and competition (the three great pillars of neo-liberalism) will usher in the end of democracy and the co-operative civil society that we enjoyed for many decades.
This appears to be the trajectory we are on — Brandeis was correct, the concentration of wealth is antithetical to democracy and heartbreakingly, to kindness.
OVERCOMING PERSONAL POVERTIES
Gerard Ee, Community Worker
It is terribly alarming to hear of such sudden decisions as the cessation of USAID, which obviously would cripple or kill the work done by those depending on the funds. In theory, to mitigate against such shocks, charities could reduce their dependency on grants or philanthropy and encourage mutual aid among the people they care about.
Of course, this is easier said than done because in most places, social services have become industrialised, and operations designed to fulfil a particular purpose usually do not have the flexibility to pivot swiftly.
With every pivot, its workforce needs to retool and since such a change threatens jobs, resistance kicks in.
As to restoring humanity’s heart, I would suggest that we start recognising and understanding the notion of universal human needs. Such needs are an internal state and not something that is not within ourselves. They are also fundamental because regardless of who we are, or our place in the world, we all have and share these same needs.
The Larger Needs
Manfred Max-Neef, a Chilean economist who focused on the needs of people and the planet, rather than just economic growth and profit, had identified Subsistence, Protection, Affection, Understanding, Participation, Idleness, Creation, Identity and Freedom as our fundamental needs. He hypothesised that once these needs are met, additional income does not necessarily lead to greater happiness or well-being.
ALSO READ: Who’s Following Your Digital Footprint?
In short, when we start reflecting on what we fundamentally need, we may discover that while we are not poor in financial terms, enabling us to meet our need for subsistence comfortably, we experience much ‘poverty’ with regards to other fundamental needs. Thus, we recognise that our well being is hampered and for a more satisfying life we must explore how we can overcome these personal ‘poverties’.
I am optimistic that by consistently reflecting on our common fundamental needs, many among us will develop empathy, a sense of fairness and choose to be kind.
KINDNESS — A GENTLE IMPERATIVE
Radu Magdin, global analyst & CEO Smartlink Communications
In an era marked by geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and rapid technological advancements, the global landscape is undergoing profound transformations. Amid these shifts, one timeless principle emerges as a beacon for navigating the complexities of our interconnected world: kindness.
The Geopolitical Climate: A Call for Compassion
Recent studies by Pew Research highlight a growing sense of global unease, with nations grappling with issues ranging from political polarisation to economic disparities. In such a climate, it’s imperative to recognise that behind every policy decision and economic statistic are individuals — people whose lives are directly impacted by the choices of leaders and institutions.
Embracing kindness in policymaking fosters collaboration, reduces conflicts and promotes a more harmonious international community.
Business Leadership: Kindness as a Strategic Imperative
In the corporate realm, the integration of kindness into leadership strategies is not merely a moral choice but a strategic one. Effective communication and empathetic leadership are pivotal in today’s business environment.
Leaders who prioritise the well-being of their employees and stakeholders cultivate trust, enhance organisational resilience, and drive sustainable success. Incorporating kindness into corporate ethos can lead to increased employee engagement, customer loyalty, and a positive brand reputation.
ALSO READ: Future Design Trends
Media’s Role: Amplifying Acts of Kindness
Media platforms wield significant influence in shaping public perception and discourse. By showcasing stories of compassion, collaboration, and community resilience, media can inspire individuals and institutions to adopt kindness as a guiding principle in their interactions and decision-making processes.
A Collective Responsibility
The challenges of the modern world — be it climate change, public health crises, or social inequalities — require collective action rooted in empathy and mutual respect. Kindness serves as the foundation for such collaboration, enabling diverse groups to unite towards common goals. As global citizens, it is our shared responsibility to infuse kindness into our daily interactions, professional endeavours and societal structures.
As we navigate the complexities of the new world order, let us remember that kindness is not a passive virtue but a transformative force. By embedding kindness into the fabric of our policies, businesses, media narratives and personal lives, we can foster a more just, peaceful, and prosperous global community.
NO TIME TO GIVE?
Prof Lim Soon Hock, Managing Director, PLAN-B ICAG
If the United States wants to maintain its status as a global superpower, it cannot abdicate its responsibility to assist countries in need. While the intent behind USAID is commendable, the real issue lies in the management of its funding, which undoubtedly requires reform. The US should not criticise other nations, such as China, for stepping in to fill gaps in aid, nor should it politicise the giving.
Humanity can achieve more by embracing generosity, kindness and warmth, while moving away from a purely calculative and transactional mindset.
If we all adopt this approach, the world will undoubtedly become a more harmonious place for future generations. One where living, working and playing are a source of joy and fulfilment.
We can all give the invaluable gift of time, if not donations, to those who need it most in an increasingly time-starved world.
‘No time’ should not be an excuse for not giving.
ASIA TO BE HEARD
Tristan Ace, Chief Engagement Officer, Policy Head and Northeast Asia Coordinator, AVPN
In 2015, the world saw a moment of unity when 192 countries agreed on the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals. Today, the geopolitical landscape looks very different.
The question isn’t about choosing between kindness and cruelty — it’s about recognising that we share one future, one world.
In a time of volatility and division, Asia’s impact leaders have a unique opportunity to step up and foster unity where traditional institutions are struggling. The systems we build shape how people and markets behave.
Networks like AVPN, the largest network of social investors in Asia, can break through this gridlock. As a neutral platform, AVPN connects philanthropists, businesses, and policymakers to co-create solutions for the world’s toughest challenges.
Funds To Build A Future
One example of how this is feasible in the real world, is our AVPN Philanthropic Funds, particularly what we have achieved with our Pooled Funds.
These are unrestricted funding, pooled together with like-minded funders, focused single-mindedly on the social issue(s) we want to solve together.
And then mobilising it for non-profit organisations to plug the gaps, allowing them to build their capacity and capabilities within their ecosystem, to be able to drive lasting, impactful change.
At the upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) — a global forum for financing development — AVPN will bring the voice of Asia’s social investment community to the table.
This is a chance for Asian leaders to champion values-driven, community-focused leadership. By leveraging the power of collaboration, we can navigate these turbulent times and build a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
