I'm saddened to see so much suffering. The images of Japan are horrific. My only reflection on this is that we are all but one single nation. One world united. That when there is one region affected by a catastrophe the rest of the world must react. We as Colombians asked the same when we suffered the floods of this past winter. Physical borders are products of our imagination and it would seem that those of us who live in this world will be faced with many challenges, so best that those challenges find us united. When one hears of such things we realize how small we are, how defenseless, and that the only sensible thing is to look at ourselves, at the entire human race, as one single community in search of building a better world, a planet that is better cared for and a more just reality for everyone.

That is all we can do. But if we add wars, internal conflicts and indifference to the realities of others, then it becomes a much more difficult world.

Let's do something for the sake of others. Let's all dedicate part of our time to contribute to the growth of our community. Let's do everything we can to educate our children. So that they grow up to have developed minds and hearts and armed with these, are ready to face the challenges of this world.

Beginning with those who are just newly born, because it is in them where we find our greatest opportunity to educate and evolve as a society.

I am certain that we are at up to the challenge, but we have to act now.

Shakira