Councilwoman Roxy Ndebumadu is a technology entrepreneur, and special advisor on beneficial AI, online safety and emerging technology. As a two term-elected official, she represents the City of Bowie, the fifth largest city in Maryland. Cette contribution a été publiée pour Policy Center For The New South.
Amidst the churning tides of globalization, in which currents of tradition meet the winds of change, there is a call for a new international contract—a covenant not only between nations, but with the very essence of human flourishing at its center, redefining the approach to global investment. Let’s confront the reality: our current outcomes are not merely a fallout from economic challenges exacerbated by global disruptions; they stem from short-sightedness. Last year, at the Policy Center for the New South’s 12th Atlantic Dialogues, issues of brain drain and geopolitical tensions took center stage in discussions between prestigious speakers, prompting us to ask why. It's because leaders worldwide continue to tackle isolated outcomes of a distorted society, born from globalization and the industrial revolution, rather than prioritizing human flourishing as the top-line objective.
Consider this: economic freedom is intricately tied to human flourishing. Becoming the youngest woman and the first Black woman to represent my constituency as an elected official in 2019 greatly shifted my position because I now possessed the power to remove societal barriers. Since then, I've witnessed firsthand the embedded socioeconomic barriers hindering societal mobility. Investing in human capital isn't just about spurring technological innovation—it's about forging a new intentional joint contract. Let's start with economic diversification. As a technology entrepreneur and angel investor, I emphasize diversification across portfolios, ensuring a healthy balance that fuels innovation for better jobs, products, and societies.
So, what's our roadmap for the Atlantic basin? First, prioritize inward investment geared towards economic development in your own economy. Embrace entrepreneurial activities to empower human capital, fostering innovation and incentivizing small-business growth. Second, focus on external positioning towards stronger strategic partnerships. Take it from me, the prosperity of America hinges on global prosperity, urging countries along the Atlantic Basin to unite. Together, Atlantic nations can shape new market-entry standards, promoting R&D inclusion and intentional economic diversification that aligns with allied objectives. This collective effort will increase the capacity for economic freedom, driving progress for all.