In our lifetimes we have not experienced any event that has impacted so many of us in so many different ways as Covid-19. We are dealing with a deadly virus affecting hundreds of thousands all over the world, as well as a potentially devastating worldwide recession.
The Covid-19 crisis is calling on us all to display even more accountability, empathy, respect and transparency. In essence, we are all on display. Our actions today are our future tomorrow.
In the last several weeks, we’ve been deluged by data, news, announcements, all focused on Covid-19. One announcement that came across my desk and really struck a chord was Transparency International’s (TI) latest newsletter.
It mentioned the upcoming G-20 leaders’ summit which, because of present circumstances, will be conducted virtually. The article said “we expect world leaders to show extraordinary solidarity and act in the interest of the common good.” Yet we can expect all we like, the question is will they?
Collaboration and transparency
It has never been so important for world leaders to act collaboratively. This crisis is not unique to any one country. It is imperative our leaders act for the common good. Transparency International says “these are extraordinary times that call for an extraordinary level of accountability and transparency, integrity and solidarity.” Agreed.
I was struck by their admonition that when “vast amounts of taxpayer money is at stake in a high pressure environment, ensuring the corrupt don’t benefit at the expense of the people is critical.” Rest assured there will be those who unjustly attempt to benefit at the expense of others.
We can be better
Crisis can bring out the best in people and it can also bring out the worse in others. TI has identified “several critical anti-corruption measures around health care, including open publication of research into vaccines and treatments, the protection of whistleblowers in health systems and ensuring equal access to life-saving treatment,” we’d be advised to pay attention to.
Safety and health issues are of course of paramount importance, yet so are threats to social justice. It has never been so important that our and others’ governments, at every level, act with integrity and transparency.
The decisions made today, by entities we have no choice but to trust in, that they act in our best interests will determine our future.
These are scary times. How are they impacting you? With schools and businesses closed, we are forced to restructure many aspects of our lives. Stay at home regulations are tough.
The choice is ours
We have a choice though. We can live with dignity and graciousness and make the best of the situation at hand or moan, gripe, complain and find fault. It’s not so much of a when life gives you lemons make lemonade as to what is your character? To paraphrase Gandhi, how can you be the change you wish to see in the world and that the world right now so needs?
We all now have a hand in redesigning a new world we will live in soon. What choices will you hold yourself and our leaders to?
Stay well, be safe and repurpose.
Richard Bowen is widely known as the Citigroup whistleblower. As Business Chief Underwriter for Citigroup during the housing bubble financial crisis meltdown, he repeatedly warned Citi executive management and the board about fraudulent behavior within the organization. The company certified poor mortgages as quality mortgages and sold them to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other investors.
