Illustrative image (Photo: internet) Geneva (VNA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasised the importance of strengtheningregional and global cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, which he said threatensefforts to maintain peace and international security.
Addressing a video conference hosted by the UN SecurityCouncil (UNSC) on April 9 following a proposal from Vietnam and eight other non-permanentmembers on discussing the pandemic, Guterres said the disease poses the greatest challenge to the world since 1945, causing economic and social shocks,and adversely affecting the daily lives of billions of people around the world.
He said the situation is likely to become even more complex in the time to come,especially in developed countries and those experiencing conflict.
The pandemic will give rise to economic and political challengesin a host of countries, worsen conflicts, and cause discrimination towards and havenegative impacts on women, children, and migrants, he said.
He affirmed that the UN’s current priority is to join countries in promoting ceasefiresin conflict areas around the world and to mobilise international resources for providinghumanitarian assistance to countries, especially those with the most urgent need.
He called on the UNSC to promote its role in mobilising and coordinating internationalefforts in this regard, thus minimising threats against peace and security.
Representatives from UNSC member nations also emphasised that it is necessary toenhance international cooperation to effectively contain the spread of the pandemic.
While asserting Vietnam’s support for the UN’s central role and the recent effortsof the UN Secretary-General, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN, suggestedgovernments, the UN bodies, and international and regional organisations, including theWorld Health Organisation, and other relevant agencies join hands in supportingcountries affected by the disease.
He urged the UN and its stakeholders to pay special attention to the most vulnerablegroups, such as women, children, the elderly, and those living with disabilities,and to ensure the safety of UN staff members working to help countries combat thedisease./.
VNA
