UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe  /  UN Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the General Debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly Sept. 22, 2020

By Gary Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED  NATIONS  –  NEW  YORK –  UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday appealed for global solidarity to overcome the COVID-19 as the 75th session of the General Assembly got underway.  This year’s UNGA session is unlike any other in its 75-year history.  Absent is the usual massive crowds and swarms of diplomats and world leaders descending on New York City.  Due to the ongoing global pandemic, this year’s General Assembly will be a mostly  virtual  diplomatic event conduced via Zoom as most world leaders will not appear in person at the UN world headquarters. In his address to the historic and unprecedented GA session Secretary-General Guterres  spoke in the largely empty General  Assembly Hall. Guterres characterized the pandemic from the podium as “not only a wake-up call” but “a dress rehearsal” for challenges to come.

“In an interconnected world, it is high time to recognize a simple truth: solidarity is self-interest.  If we fail to grasp that fact, everyone loses”, he said, delivering his annual report on the work of the Organization.  The Secretary-General underscored the need for solidarity at this moment, particularly as countries least capable to address COVID-19 have received far too little assistance. He urged the UN’s 193 Member States to move forward in humility and unity in the face of the disease.  “And we must be guided by science and tethered to reality”, he added.

“Populism and nationalism have failed. Those approaches to contain the virus have often made things manifestly worse.” 

 -UN Secretary General Guterres

The annual get-together of world leaders is underway at the United Nations, albeit virtually, with world leaders sending in prerecorded videos amidst the COVID-19 global lockdown, creating an event which the UN chief has described as “beyond recognition” compared with any previous year. Secretary-General António Guterres (left) speaks with Volkan Bozkir, President of the UN General Assembly, as the General Debate of the 75th session of the Assembly gets underway on Tuesday Sept. 22, 2020.  (UN Photo/Rick Bajornas)

“In a world turned upside down, this General Assembly Hall is among the strangest sights of all. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our annual meeting beyond recognition.  But it has made it more important than ever.”  

 -UN Secretary General Guterres

Only one delegate from each UN Member State was present in the General Assembly hall which is typically standing room only on the first morning of the debate. The delegates were spaced apart to observe social distance guidelines as part of measures to slow down the spread of COVID-19.  (UN Photo/Rick Bajornas)