SEOUL: Former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has appealed for global cohesion in the face of the coronavirus crisis and other global challenges.
"I have always emphasised that problems of global scale require solutions of global scale," Ban said in a interview.
The pandemic can only be "overcome by concerted effort and unity," he said.
At the same time, Ban warned of more racism and xenophobia because of the fear of catching the virus.
"Such deplorable action would not help in deterring the spread of the virus in anyway. We must never forget that we are all in this together," the 75-year-old said.
He called on the international community to act in solidarity and to provide enough financial resources to combat the pandemic.
Above all, poor countries that cannot do anything for their own populations in times of crisis must be helped, he said. In this context, the former top diplomat honoured the decision of the G20 countries to support the global economy with a total of 5 trillion dollars.
Developed nations would have to do more, Ban said, specifically mentioning the United States.
Ban, who was South Korean foreign minister from 2004 to 2006 and UN secretary general from 2007 to 2016, said there is also a connection between the coronavirus and climate change. Numerous studies would prove this, he said.
"This adds yet another reason why we must work tirelessly on climate action," Ban said.
"Keeping in mind that climate change increases the risk of infectious diseases such as Covid-19, sustainable and long-term financing for climate adaptation must be secured."
"I have always emphasised that problems of global scale require solutions of global scale," Ban said in a interview.
The pandemic can only be "overcome by concerted effort and unity," he said.
At the same time, Ban warned of more racism and xenophobia because of the fear of catching the virus.
"Such deplorable action would not help in deterring the spread of the virus in anyway. We must never forget that we are all in this together," the 75-year-old said.
He called on the international community to act in solidarity and to provide enough financial resources to combat the pandemic.
Above all, poor countries that cannot do anything for their own populations in times of crisis must be helped, he said. In this context, the former top diplomat honoured the decision of the G20 countries to support the global economy with a total of 5 trillion dollars.
Developed nations would have to do more, Ban said, specifically mentioning the United States.
Ban, who was South Korean foreign minister from 2004 to 2006 and UN secretary general from 2007 to 2016, said there is also a connection between the coronavirus and climate change. Numerous studies would prove this, he said.
"This adds yet another reason why we must work tirelessly on climate action," Ban said.
"Keeping in mind that climate change increases the risk of infectious diseases such as Covid-19, sustainable and long-term financing for climate adaptation must be secured."
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