World faces 'existential threats,' fragilities: UN chief
What's the story
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the world is not only facing a COVID-19 emergency and the worst economic crisis in nearly a century, but also existential threats to climate and biodiversity and the possibility of the world's largest economies, the US and China, splitting the world in two. He was speaking at the World Economic Forum's virtual Davos agenda meeting.
Fragilities
'In 2021, we must put the world on track'
The UN chief said that humanity doesn't want to repeat 2020's tragedy and crisis. However, he pointed to the many fragility in today's world, also including lack of consensus on using cyberspace and the growing risks of nuclear and chemical proliferation. "In 2021 we must address these fragilities and put the world on track," Guterres said.
Global goods
Vaccines must be seen as global public goods: UN chief
On COVID-19, the UN chief warned that the rich developed nations are wrong to think they will be safe if they vaccinate their own people and neglect the developing world. He said, "Vaccines must be seen as global public goods and vaccine production must be massively scaled up around the world at affordable prices."
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COVID-19 recovery must help end our war against nature: Guterres
The UN chief further said, "COVID-19 recovery must help end our war against nature, avert climate catastrophe and restore our planet." He said that the main objective for 2021 is to build a global coalition for carbon neutrality.
Inequalities
Action needed to address inequalities highlighted by the pandemic
Guterres urged major action to address inequalities highlighted by the pandemic. He called for liquidity to avoid debt defaults in many middle-income and least developed countries, debt relief to countries needing it, new Special Drawing Rights to benefit developing countries, measures to close wage gaps, and equal participation for developing countries in global institutions.
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Credible plans needed for transitioning to net zero carbon emissions
Addressing the issue of climate change, Guterres said, "Every country, city, financial institution and company needs to adopt credible plans backed by intermediate goals for transitioning to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and to take decisive action now to put themselves on the right path."
Geopolitics
'The world is splitting in two,' says UN chief
Meanwhile, Guterres said that he continues to fear the possibility of a great fracture: The world splitting in two, with the two largest economies on Earth leading two areas with different dominant currencies, trade, and financial rules, each with its own internet, and its own zero-sum geopolitical and military strategies. "We must do everything possible to avert such a division," the UN chief stressed.