As we approach the New Millenium, much of the world is becoming aware of a new spirit of opportunity; one which has never before existed within humanity.  This is not to say that definitive improvement has occurred in the many areas of the world where suffering continues due to insufficient food, shelter, social inequality and human rights abuses.  It refers, rather, to humanity's increasing determination to 'do something about it' -- from the most sophisticated and educated to the least advantaged and remote.  It is the 'consciousness' of humanity which is undergoing a change and this can only result in the global transformation that the majority, consciously or unconsciously, awaits.  This article, therefore, will attempt to demonstrate the new consciousness as reflected in the developing policies of the United Nations aimed at the 'common good of  the One Humanity' and the (however slowly) 'growing inclusiveness among people'.  It deals as well with major areas still to be addressed.  You are invited to use this knowledge in the solution of local problems by approaching your government officials and /or NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), as well as those representing your country at the United Nations -- keeping ever in mind that action is more effective with 'group energy' and that nations are bound by international treaties only upon ratification.  We must all be influential to this end, as there is no government exempt from the force of public opinion and the media.

• International Criminal Court - may try and punish individuals and governments for violation of international law both on national or international territory
  
• Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) allows women, as individuals, to institute legal proceedings (through NGOs) where crimes against them remain unaddressed by their own government
  
• Decade of Peace (2001 - 2010) - calls on education at all levels of society regarding principles and practice of non-violence and techniques of right human relations
  
• Millenium Assembly - special session of the General Assembly in December of 2000 and in consultation with  NGOs, to address far-reaching global concerns
  
• NGOs - to be consulted in all areas of UN. activities due to their overriding activity with grassroots development
  
• Disarmament - again encouraged ratification of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and an end to illicit international trafficking in small arms
  
• Cuba - called for an end to the embargo of Cuba by the United States
  
• Landmines - called for an end to manufacture, stockpiling and use of  anti-personnel landmines, and on financially viable nations to contribute to the discovery and destruction of landmines and to the promotion of scientific research to this end
  
• Globalization - resolution urging preferential treatment of developing countries  in the face of globalization  [Developing countries should here be aware of two old proposals addressing this issue which have been ignored for years:]
  
• PEACE DIVIDEND - transference of military budgets to development and the
  
• TOBIN TAX - a tax levied on all international transference of currencies to be used in development.
  
• Right to Microcredit - called for development of programs to provide increased availability of non-collateral loans
  
• Environment and Development - stressed the relationship and responsibilities of governments inherent in this interdependence
  
• Right to Travel / Family Reunification
  
• Right to Development - relief of the burden of debt that immobilizes economies in developing countries (proper use of funds involved must be overseen by citizens of these countries to assure benefit to the Whole)
  
• World Conference Against Racism (2001)
  
• Children in Armed Conflict - called on ending use of child soldiers
  
• Israel / Palestine - called on Israel to cease violation of human rights against Palestinians with regard to freedom of movement and illegal detainment)
  
• Information - called for a 'new world information order' that addresses disparities in communication between developed and developing countries and increased access to information in the South
  
• Terrorism - called for an international legal framework
  
• Partnerships - collaboration among the United Nations, local governments, business and NGOs.