25
Interdependence and collective responsibility of humanity

The imperative of international economic co-operation was never as inescapable as it is today. The more the frontiers of human knowledge and conquests of nature are extended, the more the world shrinks from a collection of unconnected, self-sufficient communities into a compact interdependent humanity. But while this is universally recognised, we nevertheless encounter numerous difficulties in translating it into a programme of concrete action. This I believe is the crux of the problem. Inter­dependence implies collective responsibility and calls for increas­ing demonstration of solidarity.

We can no longer remain helpless victims of the vagaries of nature or of the idiosyncrasies of market forces. I believe that our presence here is explicit recognition of our responsibility to stem those processes which perpetuate injustice and to launch those which lead to greater and more genuine equality.

The responsibility for ushering in a new era of a more just and equitable economic relationship belongs to us all. But I trust no one will disagree if I suggest that it lies more heavily in those who wield economic power. Problems ignored over a long period of time grew into intractable crises. No nation has escaped their consequences. Nothing has proved it more drama­tically than the events of 1973 and of subsequent years. I feel convinced that one of the reasons we are assembled here to look at the entire range of economic problems is this new realisation of our interdependence and, therefore, collective responsibility.