Combating coronavirus: It's time for unity, say diplomats

Multilateralism was the overriding theme of the ninth Online Cultural Marathon Symposium series, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) on Thursday.
Streamed live on the authority's social media channels, the virtual conference sought to explore the role of Covid-19 in creating a culture of unity.
The panel consisted of ambassadors Kamal R Vaswani at the Singaporean Embassy in the UAE; Ernst Peter Fischer from Germany and Ludovic Pouille from French Embassy.
The ministry's Director of Strategic Communications Hend Al Otaiba, who helmed the discussion, noted that while it's part of the UAE's DNA to expect the unexpected, the pandemic has, nevertheless, been an opportunity to learn.
When asked what lessons could be drawn from the coronavirus outbreak, Fischer said: "Global issues require global solutions. The last time Germany experienced such a crisis was at the end of World War II, when Nazism was destroyed. We learnt then to work in a multilateral way and have very strong partnerships." That approach has been key to their crisis response in recent weeks too, said the ambassador.
Role of global organisations grows
Several international organisations - such as the United Nations, World Health Organisation and World Food Programme - have come under intense scrutiny and criticism during the pandemic.

The panellists, however, unanimously stated that the role of such institutions must only grow stronger in a post-Covid world.

"No organisation is perfect," said Fischer. "As diplomats, we know it can be a cumbersome, time-consuming process to reach a consensus or compromise, but the alternative is the law of who's stronger - and we don't want that. So, we need more such organisations, not less."

Vaswani noted that small states like Singapore can only thrive within a rules-based multilateral system. "The pandemic has reminded us of how interconnected we are. Let us not turn inwards and discard globalisation. Multilateralism is the best hope of dealing with issues like climate change, governance of cyberspace, terrorism and even other pandemics. We are undoubtedly better off because of such institutions like the UN."
Systematic response to the situation
Comparing the responses of Singapore and UAE to the crisis, the ambassador further commended the countries' agility of response, their systematic and comprehensive approaches (especially with regard to extensive testing), the constant communication from the leadership in reassuring the public, the use of technology, and how both countries are looking to the future, even as they deal with current challenges.

Continuing the theme of unity, Al Otaiba highlighted the need for countries to set aside differences at this time and aid the less advantaged.

Fischer was quick to praise the UAE's initiative to send aid to Iran as well as to Palestinians via Etihad planes landing in Tel Aviv. "These are very important gestures, showing we have to be bold in these critical times and do things beyond what we're used to doing."

Pouille also paid tribute to the UAE's and France's humanitarian efforts.

"Political agendas should be put aside when human lives are at stake. We can only hope the crisis will serve as a wake-up call for increased dialogue and cooperation," he said.
Social cohesiveness helps
When asked how the cultures of countries have helped those struggling within their own borders, Fischer pointed out that most countries have a culture of helping those in need, but follow different governmental and social systems. "Countries with social cohesiveness have reaped some benefits in this crisis," he said.

Pouille, similarly, saluted his countrymen for reacting as "one nation" at this time. "The French government has taken many measures to help companies and families, but we were surprised by the individual support extended by citizens."

Vaswani said it was necessary to prepare for a "Covid-normal" society. "Covid-19 is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. We're in it for the long haul, so we have to work around it."

karen@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi

Karen Ann Monsy

Karen Ann Monsy is Associate Editor, overseeing digital operations in the newsroom. She sees the world through headlines and SEO keywords - and loves building people and teams.

karen@khaleejtimes.com