The reality for many Iranians is stress, a coarsening of courtesy and good manners and financial insecurity (and a sharp rise in bounced cheques).

ECONOMIST: Iran

For millions of people, even one day of lost work and wages triggers financial fear and insecurity.

FORBES: Superstorm Sandy, Refrigerators and Prudent Reserves

But individuals are not the only ones who suffer as a result of financial illiteracy and insecurity.

FORBES: How Employers Can Run Predatory Lenders Out of Business (and Why They Should)

Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1978) is a group that grew up with financial and work insecurity and has little in common with Generation Y or baby boomers, believes O'Neill.

CNN: 'Generation Y' set to transform office life

Financial fear and insecurity are all-encompassing.

FORBES: Superstorm Sandy, Refrigerators and Prudent Reserves

In a video message to the High-level session, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon called upon the scientific community to help make sense of the complex and interconnected challenges --including climate change, the financial crisis and food, water and energy insecurity -- that threaten human well-being and civilization as we know it.

UNESCO: Irina Bokova: we must harness the power of science to empower people | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

In his video message during the high-level segment, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon called upon the scientific community to help make sense of the complex and interconnected challenges --including climate change, the financial crisis and food, water and energy insecurity -- that threaten human well-being and civilization as we know it.

UNESCO: World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP)