Progress in solving the world’s problems can only be achieved through globalization, says Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
In a letter to Facebook users on his Facebook page Thursday, Zuckerberg said meaningful progress on issues like spreading peace and freedom, ending terrorism, fighting climate change and preventing pandemics “now requires humanity coming together not just as cities or nations, but also as a global community.”
Zuckerberg’s letter comes at a time when certain countries have turned inward in the face of mounting global concerns, like the refugee crisis from the Middle East. For example, United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union last summer. Also, the United States elected Donald Trump as its president, who has espoused non-interventionist policies, such as pulling out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and adopting an “America First” slogan.
Referring to the present as being a time of reflection, Zuckerberg warned people are being “being left behind by globalism” and said the people across the world should start working together on long-term goals. He also touted Facebook as being a conduit through which this activism can be performed.
“In times like these, the most important thing we at Facebook can do is develop the social infrastructure to give people the power to build a global community that works for all of us,” Zuckerberg said.
He offered five “important” questions that he said Facebook can help answer, including how to help people build “safe” and “supportive” communities.
“Our job at Facebook is to help people make the greatest positive impact while mitigating areas where technology and social media can contribute to divisiveness and isolation,” Zuckerberg wrote. “Facebook is a work in progress, and we are dedicated to learning and improving. We take our responsibility seriously, and today I want to talk about how we plan to do our part to build this global community.”
