THE UNITED NATIONS AND COLLECTIVE ACTION IN A CHANGING WORLD
BY MARISSA MORAN
The Pacific Council recently hosted a webcast discussion with United Nations Foundation President and CEO Ambassador Elizabeth Cousens about how the UN and the World Health Organization have helped shape the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how global efforts are connected to local efforts, including that work has directly impacted lives in Southern California. The discussion also explored the lessons learned from this crisis and innovations that are emerging as a response to the pandemic, and covered the United Nations’ important role in confronting global challenges that face the next generation of leaders, from climate change to economic inequity.
Here are takeaways from the discussion:
The cooperation of international systems is in fragile shape, even though it’s needed now more than ever.
This year is the 75th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations. In 1945, the world was in a very different place from today, namely it was much worse off. The leaders of the time realized we had more to gain from cooperation than conflict, and major progress made since then especially in the realm of poverty alleviation.
Subnationals have to have a voice. We need a more diversified approach to understanding who are the stakeholders—when it comes to COVID, climate action, and more. The role of cities and local actors is crucial on every front, but we see it most right now, as these are the actors on the frontlines of responding to the current crises.
The world currently has its largest generation of young people and they need to be engaged.
Dipreet and Elizabeth noted that conversations around universal basic income (UBI) and universal healthcare used to be controversial, but now these topics are becoming mainstreamed and piloted around the world. Elizabeth said it is time to stimulate fresh thinking about what it means to be a humane society, to treat people with dignity and respect, and to help all people thrive in a tumultuous world.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been relevant frameworks for this crisis. Universal access to clean water, basic shelter, healthcare (all SDGs) have to be at the core of solutions right now—it’s about not leaving anyone behind.
WATCH THE FULL CONVERSATION BELOW:
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The views and opinions expressed here are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Pacific Council.
