Effective Communication as a Means to Global Peace and Progress

Communication is a transactional, symbolic process which allows people to

relate to and manage their environment by establishing human contact, exchange
information, reinforcing the attitudes and behavior of others, and changing the
attitudes and behavior of others - Martins Communication, Principles, Concepts
and Skills [1980]
Communication is indeed vital to almost all aspects of human existence. It is
a key factor to solving problems and achieving a sense of unity amidst diversity.
But communication can build as it can destroy, and this highlights the need for
effective communication towards attaining global peace and progress.
The world is home to conflict. It has been since time immemorial. As has been
evidenced by history, wars have not always been resolved with guns, but with
effective means of conflict resolution which usually involves communication
among parties. Wars have been halted through peace talks and negotiations.
Agreements have been forged and deals have been made by parties
communicating their agenda and interests persuasively. In both the local and
global community, communication can be used as a medium of peace-building.
And when there is peace, there is also progress. No country has ever moved
forward while maintaining a belligerent stance.
And with the advent of the 21st century, the means of communication has
expanded and taken on new heights. Communication has evolved globally
through the internet and the media. The mass media, in particular, has proven
time and again to be a significant instrument in connecting people world-wide,
bridging the gap of cultural diversity, and defying ignorance. It turns the spotlight
to crucial issues of the day, daring the rest of the world to take a stand. Is it
effective? By all means whether it is to build or to destroy. It can manipulate
public sentiment as well as equip people to make informed choices.
The internet has also been one of the most effective tools of communication.
It has brought progress and unity. It has also brought much hate and conflict. It
can choose how it communicates to select audiences by sending the right and
wrong messages, which could be relative depending on which side you are in. It
has influenced the youth's collective identity, feeding them with the notion that
everything should be fast served fast, done fast, communicated fast.
So how can communication be effective?
Effective communication not only informs but it also educates. Global peace
and progress cannot be achieved with misguided truths and narrow perspectives.
Educating people by making them aware of what's happening around the world
can expand their views and help them appreciate certain values, principles,
beliefs, and faith which might be different from theirs. Once global issues are
explained in an impartial manner, people will be eager to pitch in to make a
difference.
Effective communication also helps connect local communities to the world,
exposing atrocities and opening doors for the rest of the world to help. It brings
certain issues closer to home.
Effective communication empowers inviduals to look beyond themselves and
see the bigger picture. It can encourage them to become global ambassadors in
their own little way, even in the comforts of their own homes.
So, yes, effective communication is a means to achieve global peace and
progress. It is the mouthpiece for change, the bridge that connects, the tool that
fixes, and the power behind conflict resolution.