Next Destination

Many friends..sss asked, “You are not getting a job?”
I replied, “Nope… probably next year? Haha…”

Some friends asked, “Where is your next destination?”
I announced, “Africa!”

I never thought I would be visiting Africa. I thought Tibet would be a more interesting choice for it is much cheaper, and the great plateau offers majestic mountains that were previously part of Indian Ocean sea bed. However, there is a switch in plan as I could not find any travel mates for Tibet. Hmm… after my several trip, I told myself I would be more selective for travel mate(s).

Africa is a land of great diversity and contrasts. This is true of its land, climate, people, and wildlife. The continent of Africa comprises one-fifth of the total Earth's land mass. It is the second largest continent (after Asia) and is divided into 56 different countries. That is close to 30% of the countries listed in United Nations. Do you think at least one of the African countries deserve to hold a permanent seat in United Nations Security Council?

FYI, Britain, China, France, Russia and USA are permanent members of UN Security Council. These countries were elected after World War 2. The five countries are given the special privilege of veto vote prior any new proposal, including declaration of a war.

UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, is hoping to use the UN's 60th anniversary this year as a springboard to revitalise an institution that has been tarnished by scandal and damaged by the angry divisions over the Iraq war.

One of models suggested the expansion of the permanent council seats from five to 11 -- with Brazil, Germany, India and Japan already having launched a joint campaign to get four of those slots. The other two would likely go to African nations (News from CNA on 20th March). Hopefully, members of the continent would strive hard for the positions.

Africa is by far the world's poorest inhabited continent. The population is estimated to be close to 850million now (compare with China’s 1.3 billion strong, December 2004). The United Nations' Human Development Report 2003 (of 175 countries) found that positions 151, Gambia (A narrow republic surrounded by Senegal in West Africa) to 175, Sierra Leone (A republic in West Africa; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1961) were taken up entirely by African nations.

A friend from Zambia who work in South Africa told me, “if only people in Africa would stop fighting for power and resources, the continent would be a better place to live.” Do you know Africa is the major producer for Gold and Diamond? I would like to quote my friend again… “It is definitely easier to dig 10cm to plant a seed than 10km mining kingdom underground”. It is very wrong if you think Africa is technologically backward.

End of my personal thoughts on political issues… Probably some Geography lessons in the next posting. :)