August Letter 2026

From selected windows in a tall building in Oslo, the lights are on, and when darkness arrive, the word «TILLIT» stands out in all its splendour.

TILLIT means TRUST.

How extremely interesting then that this piece of free visual art has spread to most corners of the world.

Could it be that people all over experience a lack of trust and a corresponding longing for trusting relationships both on micro- and macro levels?

What an improved world it would be if we were at ease, believing that we can trust those around us, and not least those who are set to guide and to rule over us.

Trust induces willingness to co-operate, on the condition that this trust is met by trust from the other sides of the trusting dynamics. Without this balance, we can no longer believe in the other party, and unwillingness, suspicion, contempt and war threatening emotions ensues. Polarization fertilize disbelief and trust vaporizes.

We observe this in sexual relations where mutual trust is a precondition for sexual functions and loving relationships.

The couple is a microcosmos for all human relationships. If trust is given, but not received, breaches of relationships are imminent.

Our world is not blessed with great amounts of trust. On the contrary, polarizations accompanied by megatons of distrust is jeopardizing human relationships in in all of cosmos. It would be too naïve to believe that this is in nobodies’ interest. To polarize, to split has been the tool of the power greedy for as long as power has been an issue in human relations. Those who are split, get tossed around, those who rule get free access to more power.

We are approaching the WORLD SEXUAL HEALTH DAY (WSHD) that takes place every September 4th. At this exact time the second meeting of the WORLD SEXUAL HEALTH ASSEMBLY (WSHA) will take place in Stellenbosch outside Cape Town.

WSHA is a result of trust between the professional sexological world and UN, WHO plus many other influential non-government organizations (NGO’S) all over the globe. It is a shift of paradigm inspired by all the hate and mistrust that is flooding the world by anti-human-rights movements.

It can be seen as a shift in the dynamics of trust. This is not saying that there has been a state of distrust between all involved in the WSHA, but the professional sexological world and the world that inform policymakers have operated independently. This means that insights and actions could not as easily neither be shared nor coordinated.

The WSHA has already produced the Porto Proclamation:

https://www.worldsexualhealth.net/porto-proclamation

This time in Stellenbosh, professional education and the furthering of sexual justice are main issues on the agenda. It is an enormous, but nevertheless absolutely necessary task.

Little by little trust is built. Trust is the antidote to greed, misuse, harassment and polarization.

This is worth fighting for, this is worth contemplation, this is worth more art of trust to be channelled into a needing world. Maybe a shifting number of buildings all over the world should shine with this benevolent word in all languages, also at daytime.