New data published today, ahead of the launch of – The Harmony Debates – provides revealing evidence that 74.7% of young people aged 16-24 years old across the nation (UK), are hopeful that the impact of COVID-19 has led to greater awareness of the need to care for our planet, our health and each other. 67.5% of them are supportive of the principle of Harmony as a solution to global issues, with 46.7% ready to promote the solution.

The survey, commissioned by publisher Sophia Centre Press looked at young peoples’ perspectives on this extraordinary year, during which world events (climate change, global pandemic and business failure) appear to be demanding a reset on our human behaviours and legacy.

Interestingly, the young people polled that global warming and climate is a bigger concern to them (46.1%) than the current pandemic (39.5%), while the majority seeing Covid-19 as a chance to ‘reset’ the way society operates.

Nick Campion, author of the Harmony Debates, said

“The data appears to reveal a strong desire for a ‘RESET’ and a new way of living. This would add weight to our own anecdotal evidence from young people involved with study and research at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, (UWTSD). We are experiencing first-hand the growing dissatisfaction evidence in more protest movements, increasing evidence of climate change through more natural disasters, business failure and deaths caused by COVID-19.” Whilst, in some respects – it makes for grim reading and challenges, all leaders across business, education and government must look to their own conscience’, it also suggests a more hopeful future under the guardianship of our next generation.”

The survey carried out by One Poll questioned general attitudes to the impact of world events in 2020 on young peoples’ futures. It also looked at their views on the relevance of Harmony and its philosophy today.

Whilst 16-24 year olds had not heard of Harmony, when they were given more detail of its approach to a better way of living and working, then unequivocally the stats show a significant receptivity across this sample. These young voices are our future hospitality and destination clients.

The results reinforce that, now more than ever, the world would benefit from embracing the Harmony Philosophy as a blueprint for living. The new data comes ahead of the publication of a new book, ‘The Harmony Debates’ by Associate Professor Nicholas Campion, Director of the Harmony Institute, on 22 October 2020.

“Change is being forced at pace through COVID-19. It’s perhaps speeded up changes that have been needed for years. This moment in time, with our new book as a catalyst for debate and conversation, gives the Harmony movement a moment in time to encourage more leaders to embrace its philosophy to address inequalities and unfairness we can see around the world. The thinking and concepts outlined in Harmony Debates are all part of the Harmony Institute’s philosophy and research, and develops ideas explored by the University’s patron HRH The Prince of Wales in his book, ‘Harmony: a new way of looking at our world.’ It’s also underpinned in global planning by the UN’s vision for sustainable development. Importantly, and our debate on 22 October will act as a catalyst for change. We are particularly concerned for young people and how they have been significantly impacted by recent events. This is our call to action. Young people are making change and demanding a more harmonious, kinder and more viable way of living and working. This is where our focus must be.” Campion concluded.

Harmony Debates, includes support from HRH Prince of Wales, the book features 45 essays

Written by key contributors, including established and well-known supporters of Harmony. These include Patrick Holden, Helen Browning, John Eliot Gardener, Tony Juniper, and Dame Ellen MacArthur exploring Harmony in relation to food and farming, business and the economy, community renewal, and music. Also featured are a number of new and fresh voices to the debate including young doctoral researchers such as Sneha Roy, M.A. Rashed and Ilaria Cristofaro, who explore Harmony in relation to conflict resolution, Islam and images of the sun in nature.