Into the future

The insights and perceptions gained from running, interacting and participating in these projects were many and various. But the real challenge will come when we can include into these cityrings cities and regions from the less-favoured countries of this planet. Diagram 2 (shown right) suggests a possible combinations, though there are many many more possible combinations. The breakdown of stereotypes and long-standing hatreds is only possible through a combination of education and communication. It won’t happen tomorrow or next week or even next year. This is a long process of learning about each other that can take as long as 20 or more years. And nor must this be seen as an opportunity for cultural domination. The interaction must be sensitively managed to promote a genuine meeting of minds.

But it must start as soon as possible, and it must include as many people of all ages, so that by the year 2020 we can point to a positive diminution of hatred, terror and mistrust, to replace it with cooperation, knowledge, understanding and wisdom. This is infinitely preferable to the military projects being peddled by those countries whose leadership lacks the creativity or will or imagination to develop more lasting solutions. And it is infinitely less expensive. Several organisations have the expertise and the will to make it happen. The PASCAL organisation for example has, as its remit, the task of keeping cities, towns and regions up to date with developments in place management, social capital and learning regions. It works from the University of Stirling and RMIT Melbourne. It will work with any organisation to help achieve this aim. It requires less than 20% of the money presently being spent on instruments of war or defence. And it is looking for assistance to any organisation, governmental or non-governmental, religious or secular, foundation or personal, that will help to save this precious planet from its own contradictions.

For those who want to learn more about this pioneering project, the annexe to the report sent to the European Commission in 2005 can be accessed here. It describes the activities that PALLACE initiated and implemented. As can be seen, much happened – but at the same time we have only begun to scratch the surface. Much more needs to be done.

Click here to download this pioneering project in Adboe Acrobat (PDF) format