Open Letter To The World: A Call To Action

Mallowah K'Otieno
5 min readFeb 27, 2024

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hands representing all races and creeds joining together in a circle

Dear Friend,

I don't know which part of the world you hail from or what your economic status right now is, but the one thing we can all agree on, is that we are both sick and tired of the world the way it is and that we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Unless there’s systemwide change, we know exactly where we are headed - destruction. As we speak, 84% of Africans live on less than $10 a day, governments all over the world are crashing under the weight of their responsibilities despite collecting sinful amounts of taxes, war is ravaging multiple regions across the globe, diseases are consistently making a name for themselves, and our planet is dying at an alarming rate. All the while, there are a few people in our society hoarding wealth or misdirecting resources within and out of the planet while the population grows faster than it ever has in history. This year alone, there will be more than 90 million people born into this world.

Uneven Wealth Distribution

I harbor no animosity towards billionaires or the wealthy. Instead, I challenge their priorities and worldview. As we speak, the top 1% of the global population commands about 50% of the world’s wealth, while the top 10% controls 80–90% of it. Such disparities, if left unchecked, spell disaster for all that inhabit this planet, without exception. Either a desperate majority will demand retribution for their deprivation, or a callous elite will eradicate the “burdensome” masses. In either scenario, the fallout will be catastrophic. It’s incumbent upon us to chart a path that eschews bloodshed. And no, more taxation or taxing the rich is not an efficient solution.

War, Terror, Disease, and Poverty

Majority of the world’s populace grapple with daunting challenges. Yet, their tribulations pale in comparison to the horrors wrought by war, terror, disease, and abject poverty. Africa, in particular, bears an unyielding burden, with half its inhabitants subsisting on less than $2 a day, and a staggering 84% scraping by on less than $10 a day. For a population nearing 1.4 billion, these are horrifying numbers. Ukrainians, Palestinians and many other groups across the globe endure perpetual terror, with the psychological scars to shape generations to come. It is unlikely that constructive mindsets will be created by these conflicts.

Mental Health Challenges

Suffering isn’t confined to regions of conflict or dire poverty; even in economically stable regions like the U.S. and Europe, mental health issues plague over 30% of the populace. The implications of these figures demand our introspection. It is well known that the collective mind of a society shape everything about that society. The world we’ve created is proof of what lurks in the depths of our collective mind as a society.

High Population Growth Rates

While 90 million new births may seem inconsequential amidst a global population nearing 8 billion, it’s crucial to realize that the vast majority are born into suffering. This further widens the chasm between the haves and have-nots, fueling simmering tensions and exacerbating existing crises. Given humanity is not about to stop reproducing, we have to expect that these numbers will only go up.

Climate Change

Global warming isn’t some distant threat; it’s a present reality. A world ravaged by climate chaos offers no sanctuary for any living being. Human suffering cannot be separated from environmental degradation; both crises feed into each other, necessitating urgent action.

Unsustainable Governance Systems and Thinking

Governments worldwide have perpetuated antiquated systems and failed to deliver prosperity and happiness. It’s time to reimagine governance, focusing on transparency, efficiency, accountability and service to the people, rather than perpetuating oppressive regimes that serve the few at the expense of the many.

Artificial Intelligence And The Future of Humanity

The rise of artificial intelligence presents both promise and peril for our race. Leveraged wisely, AI can uplift the marginalized and catalyze global progress. However, unchecked AI deployment risks exacerbating inequality and rendering swathes of humanity obsolete. It is my personal belief that AI can actually free humanity from the age old curse of labor. A curse that has proven to be the biggest obstacle in the pursuit of joy and happiness. But I also believe that if mindlessly deployed, it could spell our doom as a race. The first domino in a long chain of disasters.

Shared Fates and Responsibility

We’re bound together by a shared fate; the destiny of one is inextricably linked to the destiny of all. Our current systems have failed us, and it’s up to us to forge a new path forward. I do not intend to just be another voice pointing fingers and bemoaning the fallen world. I believe we must live according to our convictions and we cannot claim the system has failed us if we cannot offer up solutions and a way forward. Join me in dismantling outdated structures and building a world free from unnecessary suffering.

Wangwana

I’ve founded Wangwana, an organization dedicated to driving social change through grassroots activism, advocacy for change, policy change activities, enterprise, and service. Together, we can address root causes of the challenges that plague us and create a world where joy and happiness are the norm. So raise your flags and banners and join me in the war against our truest enemies; disease, war, poverty and suffering.

Over the coming months, we’ll launch various initiatives; companies, Non-profits, social enterprises, community programs and many more, and I invite you to join us. Your contribution — whether through work, investment, donations, volunteering, or sharing ideas — is invaluable. Read this article to learn more about Wangwana’s 10 Prime Directives and how you can participate or join us.

If you’re unsure how to participate, read our step-by-step guide on how to join our cause, which outlines various ways to contribute to building the world of tomorrow.

Support us on Ko-fi. We are just a small group of people with limited resources and an ambitious goal. Any support is appreciated.

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I’m truly excited at the prospect of creating a better world and leaving our progeny a world worth inheriting.

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Mallowah K'Otieno
Mallowah K'Otieno

Written by Mallowah K'Otieno

Experiencialist | Scieartist | Social Entrepreneur | Activist

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