From COVID-19 to climate disruption, from racial injustice to rising inequalities, we are a world in turmoil.
At the same time, we are an international community with an enduring vision – embodied in the United Nations Charter, which marks its 75th anniversary this year. That vision of a better future — based on the values of equality, mutual respect and international cooperation — has helped us to avoid a Third World War that would have had catastrophic consequences for life on our planet.
The African continent’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has provided valuable lessons for the rest of the world in meeting this challenge. Most African countries have moved rapidly to deepen regional coordination, deploy health workers and enforce quarantines, lockdowns and border closures.
The COVID-19 virus is not only attacking our physical health; it is also increasing psychological suffering. Mental health is at the core of our humanity. It enables us to lead rich and fulfilling lives and to participate fully in our communities.
In an opinion piece published in various newspapers around the world, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns that the COVID-19 pandemic is not only challenging global health systems, but it also challenges our commitment to equality and human dignity. In this piece, the UN Chief emphasizes that women’s interests and rights should be front and centre to benefit everyone.
In an opinion piece for The New York Times, UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls on countries to organize a green economic recovery after the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic has passed. In the piece, he offers six climate-related actions to shape the recovery.
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Only by coming together will the world be able to face down the Covid-19 pandemic and its shattering consequences. At an emergency virtual meeting last Thursday, G20 leaders took steps in the right direction. But we are still far away from having a coordinated, articulated global response that meets the unprecedented magnitude of what we are facing.
The upheaval caused by the coronavirus – COVID-19 -- is all around us. And I know many are anxious, worried and confused. That’s absolutely natural.
Gender inequality is the overwhelming injustice of our age and the biggest human rights challenge we face. But gender equality offers solutions to some of the most intractable problems of our age.
