Over the past couple of years, we have all grappled with the deadly pandemic and have experienced loss of lives and livelihoods but have also overcome many challenges and rediscovered ourselves and the power of shared humanity.
As we look back over the last two years, thinking about challenges and new experiences, we appreciate how far we have come as individuals but also as a nation. The year 2021 was another reminder that our world is more connected than ever, and we are more dependent on each other than we care to think. It is not through hatred or isolation that we can survive, rather it’s through compassion, empathy and sacrifices for each other that increases our chances of deafening a common challenge- whether it is covid, racism or climate disaster.
While concerned about racism, increasing hostile sentiments towards minority groups, in particular rising levels of Islamophobia and inequities in our society, communities have pulled together in a way that rarely makes the headlines during times of heightened fear and uncertainty.
It is because of the country’s collective efforts that we are on the road to recovery.
The start of New Year is a great time to celebrate the kindness and selflessness of individuals, including frontline and key workers who have worked tirelessly for the past couple of years to help keep us safe.
While year 2021 has been extremely challenging for us all, from experience we all have a much deeper appreciation of each other now; my hope for 2022 is that the sense of kinship, the spirit of community and sacrifice for the common good continues to flourish.
The spirit of co-operation between communities, corporates and states around the world during 2021 has reinforced our belief in ‘togetherness’. I hope that in the new year we continue to reconsider our impact and priorities, and share our kindness and volunteering.
There are many reasons to be optimistic heading into the new year. I am hopeful that the year 2022 will bring a dawn of new hopes. I hope that in the post-Brexit, and post-Covid year we re-build a kinder, cohesive and environmentally conscious society—leveraging empathy, and interacting with each other with fairness, respect, civility and inclusion.
