Emphasizing Trust

VICTORIA FORUM 2024

Building Trust for a Shared Future

VICTORIA FORUM 2024

In today’s intricately connected world, humanity stands at a significant juncture. Existential threats loom large, and their profound impact is felt in every corner of our globe. We share not only a physical space but also an inherently inter-dependent one. Yet, a pervasive and increasing crisis of trust complicates our path forward. Within this critical context, the Victoria Forum emerges as more than just a gathering; it is an urgent call to collective action to combat the erosion of trust that has already occurred, build trust across the various divides that are hampering collective action and promote reconciliation.

identifying methods to bridge these divisions. The Victoria Forum 2022 brought together experts to address the growing divisions in the world along economic, social and environmental lines and find ways to bridge these divides.

More than 500 participants and guest speakers proposed ways to promote trust and honesty, addressing inequality, combatting climate change and fostering societal trust and transformation. Proposed strategies included advocating humility, dignity, Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination, promoting sports and cultural activities, extending social protection, bridging the digital divide, empowering marginalized communities, incorporating expert perspectives and addressing domestic inequalities.

Opening Plenary

Themes

Trust in Institutions

Political institutions are grappling with corruption, opacity, and divisive politics. This erosion of trust is not unique to political bodies; it extends to all institutions, including judiciaries (often viewed as sluggish and biased), the media (considered to be partisan and disseminating “fake news” by those who take a different position), religious entities (strained by extremist elements) and universities (disconnected from the communities they serve). Such a decline rattles the foundations of democracy, undermines societal cohesion, and lies at the heart of a changing world order.

Trust & the Digital Revolution

Amidst these global challenges, the digital revolution, heralded as the great connector, has ironically been a divider. The platforms that enable worldwide communication facilitate the spread of mis- and dis-information, and create digital echo chambers that reinforce rather than challenge biases. The growth of AI has the potential to make things better but could also exacerbate the digital divide. This digital dilemma, coupled with the frenetic pace of urbanized life, has eroded interpersonal trust and diminished our sense of community and shared purpose.

Trust in Economic Systems

The widening chasm of economic inequality within and across nations casts dark shadows. These growing wealth gaps and perceptions of unfairness have become catalysts for social unrest and profound disillusionment among populations. Addressing this monumental issue demands an unwavering trust in our financial systems and economic institutions. Issues such as economic disparities, perceived corporate exploitation, and self-serving lobbying practices deepen public mistrust. The global arena is not exempt from this trust deficit either, with disputes over trade, cyber espionage, territorial rights, and questions on the efficacy of international organizations. The nuances in understanding universal values, human rights, and global governance further strain trust at the international level.

Turf & Conflict

Trust & Conflict

The trust landscape is more than just fractured on environmental and economic fronts. The persistence of regional conflicts and broader global tensions highlights the fragility of trust between nations, their leaders, and, by extension, their peoples, and is exacerbated by political actors who see that eroding trust fosters their own ambitions. Human displacement and migration are both causes and consequences of tension, creating a vicious cycle. Crafting a peaceful world is not just a lofty aspiration but a necessity to resolve these crises. Achieving peace requires foundational trust, a bond that seems elusive in the current geopolitical climate.

Highlights

Lək̓ʷəŋən Sport Declaration on Truth, Reconciliation and Partnership

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has created a working group on the Commonwealth Sport Declaration on Truth, Reconciliation and Partnership with Indigenous Peoples, which was welcomed through a traditional ceremony at the Victoria Forum. A special paddle designed by Darlene Gait of Esquimalt Nation and carved and painted by a team of carvers led by Carey Newman was commissioned to symbolize the declaration. Each country and institution ratifying the declaration will receive a paddle as a gift and by accepting it, they commit to the principles and actions of the declaration. The design, titled “Conquest (Wolf Design),” represents unity, family, and protection and was created with pride for Indigenous athletes in Canada and beyond, making it the first Indigenous declaration for sports.

Photos from the 2024 Victoria Forum

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Emphasizing Trust

VICTORIA FORUM 2024

Building Trust for a Shared Future