More than 200 million people around the world have been infected by COVID-19, and the number of deaths is approaching five million. Almost six billion vaccine doses have been administered. The pandemic has put the principles and practices of multilateralism to their most severe test in decades.
Many environmental, economic, and societal factors have contributed to this global health crisis, including a focus on national rather than international solutions. These trends show no signs of slowing and the next pandemic may be just around the corner. This makes it imperative to integrate the lessons of COVID-19 quickly and to start preparing our response to future systemic crises now. Tomorrow's global challenges will be inherently transdisciplinary and transnational in nature. That means it will be crucial to break down traditional silos if we want to improve our ability to anticipate and prepare for these kinds of emergencies.
- What lessons can be learned from the response to COVID-19?
- Where is the next systemic crisis likely to come from?
- What role should be played by the international community, both in Geneva and around the world, in preparing for the next systemic crisis?
Takeaway messages
