Seeds of hope

2023 was the year of wars in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, Yemen and many other often forgotten places. We know it by now: it is a "piecemeal Third World War", as Pope Francis repeats over and over again.
However, we must not forget another piece of the narrative: in 2023, positive institutional results, growth steps and the tireless commitment of many ordinary people also found space. 2023 was the year in which, for example, the World Health Organization approved a new malaria vaccine that should be available at very low cost within the next six months. The latest statistics speak of 600 thousand deaths per year from the disease, a number that the vaccine could reduce by 75%.
Progress against epidemics and infections then occurred specifically in various countries. Bangladesh, for example, has eradicated Visceral Leishmaniasis, a debilitating and in many cases fatal disease caused by a bacterium. Iraq has instead eradicated trachoma, the infection that affects the eyes and which in many cases leads to blindness.

From human health to that of the planet: 2023 was a year of new institutional commitments which will then have to be tested in reality. A formal agreement was reached at COP28 in Dubai for a "move away from fossil fuels". An expression that before this climate conference had never been included in an official commitment of more than 200 countries. The commitment to the planet in the last 12 months has passed above all through the voice of the people. In Ecuador, for example, citizens had access to a historic referendum against drilling in the Yasunì national park, which is home to some indigenous communities. In Brazil, however, in recent months there has been a decline in the rate of deforestation.
Added to the great global news - which we could continue to write about - are all the individual actions, the commitments to good and the daily acts of resistance of individuals or groups who truly believe they can change something at least in their own square metre. Everyone can extend this list and take stock of all the beauty experienced and sown.

Chiara Vitali
NP January 2024