COVID-19 Needs A Global Response - The Role of the United Nations

This is the time for the #UnitedNations to show strong global leadership. 

In the face of the pandemic of the novel corona virus, what people across the world want and need, is credible information on heath and economic fears, and a place to voice their concerns. They need to know that the family of humanity can and will overcome this if we work together. Only the United Nations can give the multilateral, global response, coordination and leadership that is needed now, #InTheTimeOfCorona.

In my view, the UN should hold a virtual, global townhall meeting, led by the UN Secretary General, the head of the WHO, IMF, World Bank, UNCTAD, one of the recognised thought leaders (Thomas Friedman, Steven Pinker, Francis Fukuyama, Yuval Harari, come to mind), one of the globally recognized spiritual or motivational leaders (probably the latter, Deepak Chopra or someone like this), moderated by an internationally recognised journalist. In fact, a series of virtual townhalls may be necessary as the pandemic escalates.

A few presidents or prime ministers from every region should be invited to speak at different times during the townhall. 

Consideration should also be given to the inclusion of other global or regional organizations, such as the OAS and Commonwealth.  

The Townhall should feature some scenario modeling which draws broad parameters for consequences and implications assuming a number of narratives – a partial or total global shutdown, shutdown in critical countries pivotal to the global supply chain, with citizens self-isolating, businesses closed, large gatherings curtailed and traveling restricted - for a month, 2, 3, or 6 months.  

#COVID-19 is as much a crisis of economy as it is of health and we need to start dealing with the broad context. It can also precipitate political instability as citizens demand responses from governments in the face of this unprecedented challenge. Some governments and national health systems may not manage their national situations well, resulting in angry citizens who lash out against governments in various ways.

The Townhall should be streamed live. Members of the public from all over the world should be allowed to call in and ask questions. 

Its purpose would be to talk about the social, health and economic implications of COVID-19, how to stay safe, how to protect the global economy, possible stimulus packages, give a global perspective on the issue, create a greater sense of calm, reduce fear and panic, share best practices and approaches. There are countries where the virus is present but there have been no deaths. What systems did these countries put in place to ensure this? We can learn from each other. It will also consider the likely impact on achieving the SDGs and on global development.

For the first time we have a major pandemic that is causing the kind of shut down that no one truly contemplated. Equally, for the first time, we have the technology and social media platforms to give credible, valuable information, talk global citizens through the crisis, craft common approaches for survival and success in the face of the gravity of the challenge, allow hope to triumph over fear and conspiracy theories, and acknowledge our shared humanity. 

#COVID-19 is a global problem. The global family, our society, supply chains and economy are at risk. Fighting the novel corona virus requires global collaboration and global responses. 

As the #UN prepares to celebrate its 75th year, its response to this issue could be instrumental in redefining the role and relevance of the United Nations and its value to the human family as it moves into the future.

#FightCovid-19 #worldproblemworldresponse #globalfamily