COVID-19 is first and foremost a health emergency – but also a threat that will exacerbate existing challenges on the UN’s agenda. It will have social, political, humanitarian and economic consequences, as well as human rights repercussions. In our collective response to the pandemic, we must focus on restoring people’s faith in international institutions, with the UN and its Charter at the center. The crisis can also be seen as an opportunity, as Member States have never had a more compelling reason to work so closely together for the common good. Returning to the normal functioning of the General Assembly, including through holding meetings in person with appropriate health protections, will be important.