Speech by Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas, Keynote Speaker at the GSUA ’25 Summit Awards Gala Dinner, House of Lords, Westminster, London – July 18, 2025
We live in an era of uncertainty, volatility, and global risk. Societies are increasingly fragmented, relationships transactional, and institutions fragile. Environmental, geopolitical, and technological challenges are interconnected, while individuals and organizations face overload and stress. Many feel powerless, turning to authoritarian leaders amid widespread disinformation.
Multilateralism and cooperation are declining; narrow national and sectional interests often override the common good. Conflicts—hot, hybrid, and grey-zone—proliferate, with power too often outweighing principles. Ethical values are frequently expressed but rarely applied, deepening public distrust. Our lifestyles are unsustainable: climate change, species extinction, and population pressures threaten collective survival, with few nations capable of withstanding simultaneous crises.
Global perspectives must shift. The North faces stagnation, debt, aging populations, and insecure democracies, while accountability for historical emissions remains limited. The Global South, home to most of the world’s young people, will bear the brunt of environmental and energy challenges. Its role is critical: sustainable, less materialistic development could secure our collective survival.
While the North struggles with political divisions and limits on living standards, the South could lead. Collaborative, innovative approaches—resisting isolated trade deals, scaling environmental solutions, and addressing negative externalities—could foster resilience, enhance biodiversity, and build infrastructure and communities that harmonize with nature.
The Global South possesses vitality, youthful energy, and opportunity. By stepping up, it can inspire transformative, sustainable, and inclusive development, pioneering healthier, less stressful lifestyles and becoming a model for post-industrial societies.
The time to act is now: grasp opportunities, unlock talent, and champion a sustainable future.
Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas is President of the Institute of Management Services, an experienced chairman, consultant, and adviser to boards and directors in over 40 countries.
For more on his work: policypublications.com | academia.edu.
This summary was presented at the AASGON event at the UK House of Lords.