In a time of cascading global crises — from climate breakdown and pandemics to war, technological upheaval, and mass migration — it has become clear that the current way the world is organized is no longer fit for the purpose of humanity. We are confronted by problems that cross every border, yet we attempt to solve them with fragmented systems rooted in outdated ideas of nationalism and separation. If humanity is to survive — and more than that, to flourish — we must radically shift how we see ourselves and design our institutions. The central idea is simple, though challenging in practice: we must begin to live, act, and govern as one species sharing one planet.
The idea of “One World, One Humanity” may sound idealistic. But in reality, it is both a moral imperative and a survival strategy. Genetically, humans are nearly identical. Our fates are deeply interconnected to each other. The virus that emerged in one city quickly spread to every continent. Carbon emissions from one region alter weather patterns globally. A war in one part of the world creates refugees and economic tremors in others. The challenges we face today do not respect the national borders. But our different institutions—national governments, elections, militaries, and even many legal systems—remain locked within those borders. This mismatch between global challenges and local responses is one of the great failures of our time.
But there are various obstacles to unity. One of the key reasons we remain divided is philosophical: we have forgotten that our primary identity is not as citizens of countries, but as human beings. For centuries, we’ve been taught to define ourselves by race, religion, nationality, and ideology. These identities can enrich our experience, but they have also made it easier to draw lines, build walls, and justify exclusion. Meanwhile, many democratic systems have become short-sighted. Election cycles favor short-term thinking. Populist politics thrive on fear and division. Complex problems like climate change, AI governance, or migration require long-term, cross-border thinking, and our current systems are simply not built for one earth and one humanity.
It is difficult to make one earth and one humanity. But there are different ways forward that may help address various challenges and can lead to improved humanity. To meet the demands of the 21st century, we must begin to rethink our global structures, identities, and priorities. Here are a few foundational ideas and ways. We need to revive a sense of belonging through reclaiming a shared identity that transcends passports and flags. This does not mean uniformity — our cultures, languages, and histories matter — but it does mean recognizing our common humanity as the foundation of cooperation. We need to create global cooperation mechanisms and must design institutions that operate locally, regionally, and globally — rooted in transparency, accountability, and citizen participation. Whether it’s climate action, refugee protection, or ethical AI, we need a platform where decisions can be made collectively and fairly.
Leadership must no longer be a popularity contest. We need to redesign leadership and for this, we need mechanisms to select leaders based on wisdom, competence, and integrity — and to ensure that they are held accountable by the people they serve. It is also vital to encourage participatory democracy. Beyond voting, we need citizens’ assemblies, participatory budgeting, and digital platforms that allow for continuous, informed engagement. Real democracy means co-creating the future together, not simply choosing between flawed options every few years.
Furthermore, institutional solidarity is also vital all over the world. Pertinently saying, solidarity is not about charity — it is about survival. Whether it is vaccine equity, climate justice, or disaster response, our actions must reflect the reality that no one is safe until everyone is safe.
This is not a time for cynicism. It is a time for bold, collective imagination. We cannot afford to continue with business as usual — reacting to crises with nationalism, militarism, or technocracy. Instead, we must embrace the truth that has been in front of us all along: we are one species and sharing one Earth with one shared future. This future will not build itself. It requires courage, collaboration, and compassion. It requires us to listen, to learn, and to lead.
And most importantly, making one earth one humanity requires us to choose unity over division — not tomorrow, but today. Let us rise to this challenge. Let us imagine — and begin to build — a future where humanity finally comes together not in fear, but in hope.
NB: This short-form article is written from one of my books entitled, “One Earth, One Humanity: A Blueprint for a United, Compassionate Future” that aims to bring together the vision and practical steps for moving toward a more unified global society.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Magazine and its editorial team. Views published are the sole responsibility of the author(s).
