Opinion | At 75, the UN is needed now more than ever to resist American unilateralism

The United Nations will mark its 75th anniversary next week. For the first time in history, the commemoration will take place under the shadow of a pandemic. The sudden outbreak of Covid-19 has completely changed our world, including how the UN works. President Xi Jinping and other world leaders will, for the first time, gather virtually for the annual General Assembly session and commemorative events.

The UN was founded in the aftermath of World War II to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. It has grown into the world’s most representative and authoritative inter-governmental organisation. With its help, new world wars have been prevented, over a billion people have been lifted out of poverty, and human rights have been recognised as a universal value. The efforts of the UN have made real differences to everyone’s lives.

The world is witnessing changes unseen in a century. With daunting global challenges, there are mixed feelings about the UN – expectations as well as worries. Indeed, the UN has come to a crossroads.

Covid-19 is wreaking havoc with human society. Sadly, things are made worse by the man-made “viruses” of unilateralism and protectionism. The bullying practices of the United States are undermining the world order, eroding international cooperation and derailing the global fight against Covid-19.

Some people ask if we still need the UN. The answer is yes. We need a strong UN more than ever. The overwhelming majority of the UN member states believe multilateral cooperation is crucial in addressing global challenges, and see the UN as essential. This demonstrates a clear choice of unity over division, cooperation over confrontation, mutual benefit over a zero-sum game.