Last week, I have been invited to participate as a Keynote Speaker at the launch of the book “Globalisation, Human Security and Social Inclusion” by Olivia Olajide Aluko. I was particularly interested on getting insights from African people living in UK as part of my work on migration challenges within current global model; on an aim to move beyond “writing and analyzing” but getting feedback directly from the people. That´s what we need: a tangible reality that leads as to inspirational models of change.

All participants, from diverse backgrounds, contributed to make of the event something especial and dynamic, confirming that we cannot be only writers/analysts but a channel for results-driven solutions. The power of social media and a global concept of living make it possible, although not achievable until we understand, accurately, how to use that power.

Do you use social media as a results-driven focus? Do you maximise its potential towards inclusive goals?

My own presence in this event represents the will for a change in which people get out from their comfort areas and listen, learn and reflect with others about their local problems within a global focus. It becomes essential particularly after Brexit; fighting back nationalism, racism or xenophobia is precisely by “getting out of our comfort area”. Current tyrannical political system trapped us on a spiral of no solutions, although with a strong determination towards reinforcing national sovereignty. However, is not sovereignty the real issue but the need for a truly free movement of people across borders.

How can we achieve free movement of people within a global migration crisis and huge differences of incomes from Latin American /African countries and Europe? By changing leadership, regulation, political management or just a different and innovative, citizenship action?

Movements of people around the world are not only part of natural movements but also part of our own roots. In the context of crises is when fear and rejection arise and make of Migration a big threat for national interests. As Keynote Speaker Prof. Alao has said “ if we are here is because they have been there”. A perfect way to understand and claim for the need to take action in UK and settle a disturbing racism and xenophobia wave that comes unfolded with Brexit process.

History delivers the answers and Colonialism has also built the roots for a pacifically acceptation of a free movement of people that must goes beyond any global crisis.

 The same is happening in Spain and Latin America and its growing –maybe threaten- trend of economic migration. The capacity of absorbing the entire people is limited, however the duty of the State is unlimited and we need to work on political aspects to make the process of insertion smoothly and productive.

During the event I have listened to members of the African community in UK and they get to the same conclusion: despite decades of steady migration,  “we are not producing employment” but “getting employed”. So, that marks a very important difference that positioned them into a disempowered integration.

One of the aspects that for me its paramount –not necessary for the participants-is to have political representation on equal basis. Maybe not a priority from them but as a Political Analyst I am seeing the political arena as the perfect place for boosting cohesion and find solutions from “inside”.

More than ever we need to measure expectations carefully from all sides: migrants, host countries and a general goal on global balance. A negotiation arena is what we need right now and the political arena is the one that delivers tangible solutions. That is the reason why migrants should enter in politics and fight back from the own institutions. More leadership.

Maybe someone would say why not investing on those countries that are launching migrants instead of exploring the troublesome insertion of an overwhelming number of people willing to flee their countries. Definitely the answer is both because stability comes from freedom, and freedom is guaranteed when you are not forced to flee. That it’s about free movement of people: personal will, an aspect totally missed within current migration politics.

In the case of migration coming from conflict countries, Western host countries are directly responsible. Most of them has participated on the conflict mainly through military operations, resulting on a more complex crisis, In addition, the global nature of migration crisis demands also a “joint responsibility” , indeed, only a joint action focus will find resilient solutions .

In relation to economic migration, historical roots, cultural and friendship links are only some of the reasons to address under a globalisation framework. The idea that citizens “naturally” belong to their countries and only “exceptional situations make them migrate” it´s a wrong concept and need to be updated.

A powerful tech on an era of 4^th industrial revolution cannot allow holding national citizens but only citizens that want to be nationals. Global citizens are the new nature for a resilient position towards Sustainability.

Individual freedom it’s the main principle and we need to call all actors on stage to discuss expectations and negotiate positions.

Being AWARE, ALERT and ACTIVE: the new skin of a global citizen.