HS & Socio-economic Agenda

Human Security and Socio-economic Agenda: Need for Refinement and Action*

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Abstract

The modern concept of security can be understood as the Socio-economic study of short, medium and long-term risks of society. The adoption of such an enlarged view expresses the new priorities, multidisciplinary relations and strategic conditions. Nowadays, security must encompass all fundamental aspects of human-based needs: health, feeding, employment, living standards, education, public confidence and social tolerance. It is necessary to integrate economic, social and environmental conditions, highlighting relevant priorities. This effort requires special attention to dignity, equity and solidarity. In this vein, it is necessary to consolidate democratic participation with free elections, tolerance of opposition and open discussion of necessities and initiatives. Human Security and the Socio-economic Agenda have made progress in dealing with some of the points proposed above, there are still “unfinished business and unresolved puzzles to solve,” including biological and physical wars.

Human Security requires a strong effort to deal with people’s necessities and what it means for all to be safe from harmful disruptions in their homes, jobs, communities, and environment. It is also concerned with our needs and hopes, our chance to develop our potential, especially for those who are most vulnerable. It is fundamental to provide people with key learnings and actions to cope with uncertainties, including climate risks.

Considering COVID-19, many people lost their jobs and abilities to maintain their incomes. Others, confined to their houses, experienced threats to personal security and severe frustrations. Consider also families who have been forced to leave their homes and are still in need of places to live and to be safe. People who require the necessary income to survive also have community networks, a sense of belonging and ways to sustain their culture and dignity.

In response to the mentioned and other threats, needs and hopes, we consider that the learning and actions must be tackled together, comprehensively. Fundamental perspectives must attempt to link security, technology and development agendas. It is necessary to integrate economic, social and environmental conditions, highlighting relevant priorities. This effort requires special attention to dignity, equity and solidarity. In this vein, it is necessary to consolidate democratic participation with free elections, tolerance of opposition and open discussion of necessities and initiatives.

We may conclude that, although Human Security and the Socio-economic Agenda have made progress in dealing with some of the points proposed above, there are still “unfinished business and unresolved puzzles to solve,” including biological and physical wars.