As we marvel at the wonders of a rapidly evolving digital age, we must ask ourselves: what lies beneath our screens? While innovation promises a future of connectivity and convenience, are we overlooking the hidden challenges that accompany this digital transformation? This edition delves into the complex landscape of our interconnected world.

The world watched in awe as the 2016 Olympics unfolded in state-of-the-art stadiums. But what happens after the final whistle blows? Is the short-term spectacle worth the potential long-term devastation? This and other pressing urban issues are on the table as this edition explores the hidden costs of cityscapes gleaming under the global spotlight. Are these cities truly thriving, or are they masking deeper problems?

From climate change, AI, metaverse, space, energy transition to war.. Is your glass half-full or half-empty? Is Elon Musk’s attempt to lift Twitter’s ban a move towards freedom of expression or a trigger towards political extremism? Would ageing population be a tax burden or an opportunity for alternative child care system? How is the perspective we hold influence the way we act around social impact? Is there a generational difference between the old and the young?

Limited time, money and resources. The classic economic assumption of scarcity means that we constantly have to weigh between one choice over another, especially when it comes to social impact. Do we take economic growth or sustainability? High inflation or high interest rates, risk or return? We can’t always have everything we want. Or is this just a stigma that can be overcome through innovation and new ideas? What or who motivates to choose one over the other? Do we even have to choose?  

Remember the daily morning roll call during school? The irony of this question is that those who are absent cannot answer for themselves. From healthcare, LGBTQ to economic growth in rapidly growing countries, what responsibilities do we have in making sure that our society is inclusive and representative? How should we speak up for the absent? Like the diminishing focus on the covid-19 cases and death tolls, should we be caring about the minority at all? Which is more important, the wellbeing of the whole class or those who are absent?

How is the way we interact with each other changing? From the metaverse, to LinkedIn posts and social anxiety, how can we restore social connection? From your zoom background to your cultural background, does our hybrid world perpetuate or solve inequality? While we all rejoice about a hybrid world, is it all that it lives up to be, and what universe do you ultimately want to live in?

From the 21st century space race to impact investing, can investment make a difference, or is it simply self gratification? What do our own investment decisions mean for broader society, and who should we look to to lead the change?

Baby boomers had the Cold War, Gen X had recession, and Gen Y had the information and technology boom. From rising housing prices, to rising levels of inequality, to the “great resignation”, and leaving traditional mediums of discourse, what is in store for the youth of today? Presented with all new challenges, how are the youth of today thinking differently about things? What does the world look like for this new ‘generation leave’?

What does discourse look like in 2022, and how can we frame the discussion around social impact? Have we become too polarised to facilitate a productive conversation on taboo and topical issues, or are our ideas simply getting lost in translation? As the year is well and truly underway, what should we be talking about in 2022? So what are you talking about?!

Global development aims to have interdisciplinary approach in addressing global inequality and creating policy solutions that aim to overcome the challenges in pursuit of economic growth and prosperity. Today, we face challenges in ensuring there are economic opportunities are possible for the world to move forward in growing particularly for groups like women and young people. Have a look through this edition’s on pieces on global youth unemployment, water rights in Australia and effectiveness of microfinance for women in Indonesia.