Society 5.0: A New Balance for Curaçao

Curaçao 5.0

Society 5.0: A New Balance for Curaçao

September 18, 2024

In 2020, before the pandemic hit Curaçao, I published Society 5.0: We and I. The essence of that work is simple: our societal systems were out of balance, and we need to find a new equilibrium. We must shift our mindset from focusing on “I” to embracing “we.” Society 5.0 envisions a human-centered world driven by technology but not dominated by it. Although it builds on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) foundation, it goes beyond. In Society 4.0, humans are subjected to technology; in Society 5.0, humans are the focus.

Later, during a virtual lecture at the University of Pretoria, I emphasized that Society 5.0 is not about technology alone but about a new social contract. This contract is essential between citizens, the state, the planet, and even artificial intelligence. We must redefine these relationships for a sustainable and inclusive future.

I translated these ideas into a localized document, Curaçao 2030, which outlined what this vision could look like for our island. While some have embraced it, the majority remain unaware. But whether we acknowledge it or not, Curaçao will have to move toward this new equilibrium. It can be a conscious choice, or we can wait for the situation to force the change, a case of the ship turning when it hits the proverbial wall.

The time to act is now. Society 5.0 is more than an ideal—it’s a ne-\cessity for the future.

Miguel Goede