UN efforts stymied by discord among its members

Arabnewsksa22 Sep, 2021News

For the second year in a row, the UN General Assembly?s high-level general debate is being held under a thick COVID-19 cloud. UN officials admit that the pandemic has slowed down their work, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres saying on Saturday: ?We were not able to make any real progress in relation to effective coordination of global efforts.? Last year, the organization?s plans to celebrate its 75th birthday were derailed by the pandemic and the high-level debate was muted ? conducted virtually for the first time in its history. This year, while restrictions have been eased, the pandemic has still forced some changes in the way this annual event is handled, including limiting the number of delegates in the UN building and assembly hall. Proof of vaccination is required, although some leaders, such as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, are flouting such restrictions.