top of page
Search

Embracing 2025: Global Resilience, Gender Equality, Cultural Diversity, and Sustainable Development - A Call to Action for the World

Angèle Ventugol
Jan 277 min read



“In this new year 2025, let’s stay AUTHENTIC and make every obstacle an opportunity to learn, grow, improve, and move forward TOGETHER.”



As we step into 2025, a mix of urgency and optimism fills the air. This year isn't just another tick on the calendar; it serves as a powerful reminder of the critical choices we face on a global scale. The themes of resilience, sustainable development, and cultural diversity stand as essential pillars shaping our collective future. Let’s discover why these themes are vital for our world today.


The Urgency of Resilience


Resilience goes beyond simply bouncing back; it signifies thriving in the face of difficulties. Recent global challenges—such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed global economies into recession with an estimated 3.5% contraction in 2020, and climate change causing extreme weather events—have tested our community's resilience. As we head into 2025, developing systems that can absorb shocks and adapt to new realities is crucial.


In vulnerable regions, investing in resilient infrastructure becomes indispensable. For instance, after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans rebuilt with a focus on sustainable practices, which led to a significant reduction in flood risk through improved levee systems. Additionally, building energy-efficient buildings can lower utility costs by up to 30%, benefiting both the environment and local economies.


Promoting Gender Equality and Combating Violence Against Women and Girls


Gender equality is not only an essential human right, but also an indispensable basis for a sustainable, prosperous, and peaceful world.


Interconnected crises, like economic downturns, conflict, and climate change, intensify gender-based violence, especially impacting marginalized women who face disproportionate and diverse forms of discrimination.


In 2023, the French Ministry of the Interior's Ministerial Statistical Service for Internal Security (SSMSI) revealed that security services recorded 271,000 domestic violence victims. Additionally, in the same year, around 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by intimate partners or family members. This is the equivalent to 140 women or girls being killed by a family member every day.


The Gisèle Pelicot case profoundly impacted the world and deeply affected us. I was overwhelmed with sadness and shock upon realizing that such horrors could happen in France, particularly perpetrated by a husband.

According to the French Newsletter "Les Glorieuses", in France, 94% of rape cases are dismissed by prosecutors before even reaching the trial stage. And this figure only concerns 6% of sexual assaults.





While serving as Director of a Modern Slavery Program in New York, I proactively organized and moderated our annual event as a webinar. The theme focused on human trafficking, domestic violence, and gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The event, hosted by UMOJA Ministry at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in collaboration with WOMEN, SAFE HORIZON, NYPD, and the New York Mayor's Rights Office, sought to educate and raise awareness about this crime. Initially, the UN Women report we reviewed was concerning; the speakers' testimonies highlighted that the challenge in tackling these crimes stems from the low number of reports, due to victims' shame and the high rate of impunity. Shame needs to be shifted!


Sustainable Development: A Path Forward


Sustainable development aims to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations. As we celebrate 2025, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices in our lives, from energy consumption to waste management.


The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a concrete model. Tackling pressing issues such as poverty, inequality and climate change and violence against women and mental health can lead to a healthier planet. For example, countries that have invested in renewable energy have experienced job creation and economic growth.


The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica following earlier conferences in New York in 2017 (which I had the pleasure of attending)

and Lisbon in 2022, is set to take place in Nice in June 2025. This marks the first time France will host this major international event, bringing together global leaders and governments for a week dedicated to discussions and decisions about the future of our planet.


How can individuals and nations integrate these principles?

We can and build a better world:

  • By turning to clean energy solutions

  • by promoting sustainable agriculture,

  • By using new technologies such as AI to advance Education and Gender Equality,

  • By collectively reducing our carbon footprint


Celebrating Cultural Diversity


Cultural diversity is a powerful engine for innovation and creativity. As we approach 2025, embracing and celebrating our unique cultures is more important than ever. Each culture has distinctive perspectives and solutions to contemporary issues, whether it’s indigenous knowledge promoting biodiversity or local customs enhancing community resilience.


Fostering cultural dialogue can build trust and understanding among communities. This approach is vital during crises; for instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, collaboration between various cultural organizations led to effective public health campaigns, addressing mistrust and misinformation in diverse populations. Engaging with the global diaspora—individuals living outside their home countries—can facilitate cultural exchanges that deepen connections and enhance social cohesion.


The Role of Global Diplomacy: UBUNTU!


Ubuntu sometimes translated as "I am because we are" encompasses the interdependence of humans on others and the recognition of each person's responsibility towards their fellow human beings and the world around them. It is a philosophy that supports collectivism rather than individualism.


Global challenges are intricate, and the need for strong global diplomacy is more pronounced than ever. We must prioritize collaboration—not only to respond to crises but to lay down the groundwork for international relations. Countries that adopt diplomatic approaches over divisiveness are more equipped to handle complex issues like climate change, terrorism, and humanitarian crises.


In 2025, acting on our interconnectedness is essential. For example, the Paris Agreement, which united nearly 200 countries in the fight against climate change, showcases how diplomacy can yield significant global commitments. By fostering understanding and cooperation, we can pave the way for shared responsibility and promote peace worldwide.


A Call to Action for All


As we stand in 2025, it’s time for individuals, organizations, and governments to take meaningful action. Here are some ways you can contribute:


  • Advocate for Resilience: Support policies that enhance community resilience. Get involved in local initiatives focused on disaster preparedness and response, ensuring that everyone is equipped to handle unexpected challenges.


  • Promote Sustainability: Shift to sustainable practices in your day-to-day life and workplace. This could involve adopting renewable energy sources or supporting local farms that prioritize environmentally friendly methods.


  • Celebrate Diversity: Attend cultural events and promote inclusion in your community. Each interaction you have can serve as an opportunity to learn and appreciate different perspectives.


  • Engage in Dialogue: Discuss the importance of global diplomacy in addressing global issues. Encourage leaders to prioritize these conversations, demanding accountability to foster peaceful solutions.


A Collective Vision for 2025


As we embrace 2025, we must focus on resilience, sustainable development, and cultural diversity. These themes are essential for our survival and prosperity. Together, as a global community, we can rise to the challenge of building a better world.


By joining forces, we have the power to change lives, bridge divides, and encourage understanding. Let 2025 be a year defined by concrete progress in resilience, sustainability, and cultural richness—a year where we can proudly declare, "We did it, together!"


If you resonate with this vision of sustainability and human transformation,

  • consider subscribing to my Newsletter for updates on my analysis and insights into these engaging topics. Let's connect!

  • Subscribe to this blog and sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on my analyses and insights regarding the SDGs, sustainable development, Global Communications, and public affairs.

  • You want to effectively communicate, negotiate, and collaborate in multicultural environments? You're in the right place! With my international experience at GABRIEL'S, I offer conferences, training sessions, and Masterclasses on Intercultural Intelligence in France and internationally. Contact me for tailored services to suit your requirements.

  • Let’s connect and Follow me on LinkedIn Angèle V. I'm open for collaborations, consulting or training tailored to your needs. I would be thrilled to meet like-minded experts interested in collaboration.

  • Stay tuned for exciting announcements regarding new International responsibilities between France and the USA


Starting next week, I am adopting a new editorial line for this Newsletter, more focused on the SDGs2030. I will welcome seasoned experts, beginning with Eve Seringes, a Psychotherapist who will discuss mental health, traumas, and the various issues that hinder us from achieving our full potential.

Other surprise guests and contributors will follow... Stay tuned!

Additionally, I am available to assist you with your initiatives and professional projects related to the SDGs, Public Affairs and international Relations through my consulting services, courses, workshops, and Masterclasses and conferences. Feel free to reach out to learn more.



Wishing you all a year filled with hope, collaboration, and renewed determination. Happy New Year, and let’s make 2025 a transformative year!


Angele V. Onyie is an international development specialist , public and cultural diplomacy and Global Communications with 28 years of international experience, working in collaboration with international and multicultural organizations including the United Nations and Afrian Union. For 18 years, through her strategy consulting agency XXX Global Consulting, she has advised and provided technical support to managers and senior executives and collaborated on projects linked to the SDG2030 and multicultural projects. A professor of management and leadership, she has an MBA from the University of Nice Côte d'Azur and a Master's degree in political science and international relations. Honored for her contributions to the United Nations, she was the recipient of, among others, the New York Senate Prize. Named LinkedIn 3% Top Voice in Public Affairs in 2024, She is the founder and editorial director of the LinkedIn newsletter Angele VO IKIGAI - The Sustainable Corner.


In the News - Notre VOIX - Diaspora






16 views0 comments

Comments

Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page