Cancer is a scourge that affects millions of people and their families. A cure for this terrible disease would improve the lot of humankind.
The bio-diversity of our fragile planet is one of mankind's greatest assets and many species are at risk of extinction. Safeguarding the earth's species for generations to come is one of the great priorities of today.
Whilst the protection of our cultural heritage is important, it is a low priority when set against all of the other causes. Whilst people are starving and dying needlessly, the preservation of old buildings seems relatively unimportant.
Literacy is important but first we should ensure that people are nourished adequately.
Helping injured soldiers is a lower priority. It would be better not to send them on ill-judged neo-colonial adventures in the first place.
Old people should be cared for, first and foremost, at home by their own families.
International peace should be a medium-level priority for humanity. It is actually wars within borders (civil wars) that are the most deadly conflicts. Major conflicts between sovereign states are comparatively rare these days.
AIDS is another major problem for humanity and is one of the greatest causes of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. We should accord the fight against AIDS a high priority.
Great progress has been made in improving women's rights throughout the world and this has been enshrined in law in most western countries. And yet there are many countries around the world where women are disenfranchised and do not even have the right to receive an education.
Water is a precious resource without which humankind cannot survive.
In cities throughout the world there are still people who lack shelter, we should allocate resources to stopping this shame.
Blind people should be helped with living in the community independently. As such, we should prioritise assistance with guide dogs.
