In a world often fraught with despair and division, conversations that inspire hope, resilience, and a vision for a better future are more crucial than ever. In a recent episode of Starr’s Resilience Matters Podcast, Elizabeth Carey, President and CEO of Starr Commonwealth, sat down with Dr. Payam Akhavan, renowned international human rights lawyer, to explore the profound role of empathy, community, and justice in shaping a more united world.
The Power of Resilience and Empathy
Reflecting on his childhood as a persecuted Baha’i minority in Iran, Dr. Payam Akhavan shared how witnessing unimaginable suffering and injustice shaped his resolve to fight for human rights. His experiences in war zones revealed both the worst and most cruel expressions of human nature, as well as our capacity for nobility. Despite immense suffering, Payam highlights that resilience stems from the shared human ability to find purpose and strength in the face of adversity.
“Where there is apathy, there is always an excuse. Where there is empathy, there is always a solution.”
–Dr. Payam Akhavan
This simple yet profound insight underscores that change begins with individual responsibility and compassion. Whether in international courts or local communities, embracing empathy allows us to find solutions where hopelessness once reigned.
Grassroots Transformation and a Collective Future
Payam passionately argues that systemic change happens from the ground up, led by ordinary individuals in their everyday lives. Political systems and global institutions may play a role, but enduring transformation begins with “humanitarian entrepreneurs”—individuals who dedicate themselves to serving humanity in their own backyards.
Elizabeth echoed this vision, connecting it to Starr Commonwealth’s belief in seeing problems as opportunities for growth. Payam emphasized the importance of teaching youth values of justice, unity, and spiritual reflection to counteract the growing culture of despair and disconnection.
“We must understand that we are part of one human family, and our interdependence is not optional—it is reality. Our future will either be one of shared survival or shared peril.”
–Dr. Payam Akhavan
Finding Hope Amid Challenges
While the challenges of climate change, political conflicts, and cultural divisions loom large, Payam remains hopeful. He describes our era as a “turbulent transition” to a planetary civilization—a future where the oneness of humankind is not just a lofty ideal but an inescapable necessity. Payam’s words remind us that cultivating resilience is not about avoiding challenges but embracing them as opportunities to grow, connect, and contribute to a better world.
This conversation with Payam Akhavan is both a call to action and a reminder of our shared responsibility. Whether we’re supporting youth, fighting for justice, or simply showing kindness in our communities, we each hold the power to transform our world.
