Over the holidays I read this article in German about the development in transition regions after conflicts. Three aspects are in my opinion critical about that:

1. Urbanization, resource consumption and respective migrant movements will have a significant impact in the future way of living
2. The potential to start and support social healing through common projects is significant
3. Transport technology from the “outside” should be used as a complementary mean of transportation until other means can be developed or the technology be fully handed over to the “inside” people

Population growth, urbanization and its results will certainly affect us over the next decades. A McKinsey report elaborates that Africa will be the continent that undergoes the most rapid urbanization: “In 1975, only 25 percent of Africans lived in cities; by 2015 that share had risen to 40 percent. Around 2037, Africa will make a historic shift from a majority-rural to a majority-urban continent. By 2045 a projected 54 percent of its people will live in cities.” This urbanization will most certainly result in ecological, social and economical challenges encouraging migrants to move towards Europe and other regions of the world. It will be an interesting task for the future leaders of these cities to avoid violent conflicts and develop their respective cities in a way to have ample living space to allow the growth of social structures in a dense environment.

On the other hand, common projects such as infrastructure developments may be a key to commence or engage in the healing process. Initiatives like Cusine sans frontiers support the conflicting parties to develop something together. Still, the idea and driving force needs to come from the respective parties to be successful.

In areas with difficult transport infrastructure, a solution utilizing civilian drones for the transport of e.g. medical equipment and supplies might be an appropriate short term solution. In my opinion, the goal should be to develop a sustainable alternative transport method over time or hand over full control of the technology used. Otherwise, new dependencies are created and a steady money outflow for maintenance and spare parts out of these regions is created by default.