Introduction. Towards a new paradigm in human security

Humanity today is confronted by several multidimensional threats that are of unparalleled magnitude, complexity and impact. Particularly, three existential threats define our times. The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the climate crisis have impacted almost every human being on earth, directly or indirectly. They continue to threaten global food and energy supplies, overwhelm healthcare infrastructure, affect universal education, disrupt global supply chains, cause high inflation and severely impact the global economy. The causes of these and other crises are deep and inextricably interconnected. They cannot be solved by fragmentary approaches and piecemeal sectoral strategies. They all point to a fundamental deficiency in our policies, systems, action and thinking.