Over the past year I have had a chance to see the spread of culture and human civilization as it has splayed itself out over the land and through the centuries, both in the Orient and in the Occidental world. Many of the places I go are way off the beaten track for American tourists; therefore, I’ve had a unique peek at the world as it is in so many places.

Jordan is a progressive forward-looking country and a beacon of light in the Middle East. This article outlines some of the most important programs they have put in place to empower women in the workplace.

For the past three years Sedona Cyber Link has been developing the initiative ‘The New Silk Road.’ This is a program vehicle for providing technology and educational resources for communities in the developing world. The growth of demand for LOHAS products by buyers in the Western world and the growth of demand for products by BOP buyers in Asia is an important phenomenon of the modern global economy.

This week, I participated in a panel-discussion hosted by the United Nations University. Four research fellows espoused on the importance of “Safe Water Provisioning as the Key to Global Health.” Yep, I agree. There were about 75 people in attendance, which is unfortunately reflective of the abundant indifference permeating populations that thrive in plenty. As for the efforts of the UN, volumes of studies have provided reams of information, and comparative trickles of solution to the need.

Global poverty is a dilemma that many of today’s under-developed countries and/or nations face. The current strategies are not working. Therefore it’s important to understand that the fundamental solution for the eradication of global poverty relies solely on the people, by changing social structures and fostering innovation and thought leadership.

Poverty has been defined as being “like a punishment for a crime you didn’t commit.” Millions of children in need around the world are being punished every day – and their only “crime” was being born into poverty.

Conditions in Myanmar (Burma) are coming to a political and economic head. The ruling military oligarchy is moving quickly to consolidate economic power in advance of upcoming elections. There will likely be little political freedom even after elections.

The article shows that the argument that economic growth will necessarily translate into poverty alleviation, is flawed. It advocates for pro-poor growth, which is characterized by conscious and targeted policies aimed at helping address the plight of the poor. It concludes by showing that if constraints to pro-poor growth are not dealt with, the hope that economic growth will trickle down is baseless.

Non-zero sum thinking by the political leaders would significantly help the population of Myanmar lift itself out of poverty. Improvements to the basic transportation and communications infrastructure would allow them to participate in the next phase of economic growth and prosperity stemming from the globalization process.

Until we actually walk in the shoes of another human being or culture, our perspective towards that person / society is filtered through our own experiences, opinions and perceptions. The trauma of Haiti and its people is beyond true understanding, especially when witnessing it via the media, while food, water and a venti bold are within my grasp. Yet the suffering in Haiti, as well as many other countries, is a not recent situation.