THE DECLARATION OF RADIO BRIDGE OVERSEAS

The cultures of the peoples of Africa, Asia and Latin America constitute part of the wealth of mankind. As a result of colonialism and underdevelopment many of them are endangered in their very existence. It is, therefore, of universal interest that they continue and develop.

Cultural and political development is an integral component for the peoples of Africa, Asia and Latin America to create conditions of life under which their citizens can live comfortably and self-determined.

Without such a process it will not be possible for the industrialized world to sustain peaceful and reasonable life conditions as well. Therefore, the cultural and material well-being of the peoples of Africa, Asia and Latin America is in the interest of the peoples of the North.

Considering the fact that today millions of people from Africa, Asia and Latin America do form already part of Northern societies it is of utmost importance to impart knowledge about cultures and conditions of their countries of origin. This will, at the same time, contribute, in North and South, to a peaceful togetherness and to a social behaviour which are determined by tolerance, openness and healthy curiosity.

The chances for cultural activities, social and political engagement of the peoples in Africa, Asia and Latin America are prejudiced e.g. by limited material resources, lack of communication and interaction in their countries. They are also limited by the overwhelming presence of industrialized powers. The situation is worsened by little readiness of the people in the industrialized world to receive cultural and political messages of people in the South.

"RADIO BRIDGE OVERSEAS" intends to help reduce these deficiencies by establishing an intercontinental radio-network. At the same time, it will develop a quality of radio-program that will be determined by a conscious, critical and participative interaction between listeners and producers.

THE GLOBAL VILLAGE

A SUMMARY OF THE WORLD

If we could shrink the Earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people...
with all existing human ratios remaining the same,
it would look like this:

• There would be 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere (North and South) and 8 Africans,

• 51 would be female; 49 would be male,

• 70 would be non-white; 30 would be white,

• 70 would be no-Christian; 30 Christian,

• 50% of the entire world's wealth would be in the hand of only 6 people
and all 6 would be citizens of the United States,

• 80 would live in substandard housing,

• 70 would be unable to read,

• 50 would suffer from malnutrition,

• 1 would be near death, 1 would be near birth,

• Only 1 would have a college education,

• No one would own a computer

When one considers our world from such an incredibly compressed perspective,
the need for both tolerance and understanding becomes glaringly apparent...