How to save the world in 17 different ways. UN Sustainable Development Goals

We’ve all heard it before, the world is coming to an end, not necessarily in an apocalyptic way, but due to our own faults. It could be because of inequality, oppression, terrorism, war, climate change, or corruption amongst many many other reasons we can conjure of. It’s maybe even sadder that no one wants to do anything about it and even for those who do, do not know how to make a difference. We become apathetic and desensitized and let inaction guide our actions. While countries across the world suffer, others benefit and nothing seems to be changing. And because of this, we have ultimately accepted our faith in humanity to die in crashing burning flames.

But you didn’t come here to read this. You came to see if there’s something that can be done, what is being done, and what can be changed to motivate yourself. September 25^th to the 27^th 2015, marks a momentous day in history and you probably didn’t even know it.

ICSD conference I presented at
regarding the UN Sustainable Development Goals

That was the day all the countries in the world collective decided to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to attempt to solve the world’s problems. Yes, you read that right. We decided to try and solve world problems collectively. During the UN General Assembly during that weekend, the countries decided to take up another 15 years effort (the first 15 years being the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) which expired 2015). What are these problems in the world, you may ask? Well, I’ll reverse the question onto you. What do you perceive to be world problems? Poverty? Climate change? Inequality? War? 

Well, 17 goals that were signed on by all the countries aim to solve all these and more.

Gaza During and After - "My message to the American people..."

"Gaza During and After" is a documentary by my colleague Tarek when he was working as a journalist.

In 2008, he produced a documentary showcasing the Palestinians daily life, suffering and resilience during the Israeli siege. Using internationally banned weapons, they targeted social infrastructure to destroy livelihoods so that the Palestinians do not have a source of income, trade or a way to live. The documentary takes us through Palestinian lives that the Western media rarely shows. Scroll to the bottom to watch the documentary.

"They shot her even though she was the one
 carrying the white flag, the flag of peace"

Palestinians wants peace and is asking for global support to achieve it

"We want these pictures to reach the European and American people so that they can see. Let the American people see what is happening to the Palestinian people... enough, enough destruction, let us live!"  

"He wants the American people to know that they are unknowingly contributing to the predicament of the Palestinian people"

America, being the largest supporter of arms deal to Israel, is being blamed. They believe if citizens in America sees what is happening here, they will push their government to stop supplying arms to Israel. However, this is happening because "they see the events in our region through the perspective of Israeli media." And this perspective is of "Americans Jews portray[ing] Israel as a last line of defense against another Holocaust and paint its actions as purely defensive." (American Aljazeera, 2015)

Furthermore, as of late (2010 onwards), Canada's actions has been supplying Israel with arms as well, with the Harper government ramping up his war machine to create a more militant Canada on the world stage. Canada's reputation as a peace keeper, recognized by a Nobel Peace prize to Lester B. Pearson in 1957 for creating the UN Peacekeepers, is being demolished by the Canadian conservative government. This documentary is as much for Canadians, Europeans and other countries supporting Israel as it is for Americans. Read more about Canada's involvement with Israel.

I do not condone violence from either side, but Israel is literally shooting fish (Palestinians) in a barrel with superior firepower and support. That crime against humanity is what needs to be known. Once its known, there can be more global pressure to force governments to stop supplying arms and begin the process of reconciliation.

Mad Max: Feminism Road

Let's be frank. I'm a guy. When I heard Mad Max was coming out and saw the trailer for it, there was no way I was going to not see this movie; especially in pursuit of Imax 3D, because let's face it, if this movie was made to be visually appealing as a priority, you don't want to skimp on the cinematic. Suddenly Facebook feed was littered with pro fesminist Mad Max. 


It started with the tumblr blog. I rolled my eyes on the pro feminist Mad Max "hey girl" memes on "Hey Girl" tumblr. Point taken. Women are strong and this movie supports it, not that I was thinking that at all watching the movie, nor any gender equality statements for that matter. However, when I read the article produced by CNN about men's rights activists boycotting Mad Max, they made men look really bad. The opening paragaph writes

 "A well-known "men's right activist" blog is calling for the boycott of the postapocalyptic film"Mad Max: Fury Road" for being a "feminist piece of propoganda posing as a guy flick." 

Quick search on Google pulled up the full piece titled: Why you should not go see Mad Max: Feminism Road written by Aaron Clarey. Eye balls are rolling around all over. And so are the rhetorical questions: