In today's globalized world, boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. While we benefit from the instant accessibility of shared expertise, resources, and information globally, we also see a world with an increasing frequency of conflicts. Every day, whether we turn on TV, read a newspaper, or scroll through media platforms, we see conflicts happening somewhere in this world: the escalating tension between the U.S. and China over several issues, the ongoing war in Ukraine that has destroyed homes of so many innocent citizens but yet to have a sign of reaching an end, the devastating Civil War that still exists in countries and results in complex and protracted crisis; and the sustaining worry by the international community over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, to name a few.

According to the United Nations, while the world today is much safer compared to the past, conflicts happening around us have become more sophisticated and are far from disappearing. Seeing a need to address emerging conflicts and issues, in 2020, the member states of the United Nations requested the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, to present a report with recommendations and possible solutions that would respond to current and future challenges and risks. With his report named “Our Common Agenda,” Mr. Secretary-General shared his vision of more inclusive global cooperation. It stated, “We must recognize that humanity’s very future depends on solidarity, trust, and our ability to work together as a global family to achieve common goals. No community or country, however powerful, can solve its challenges alone.”

This report also aligned with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, advocating the need to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs and advance the shared pledge for better, more networked, and true global cooperation. Furthermore, this report shows the world a future with opportunities to rise together.

Well, to many of us, this might be too big and too far from our reach because we are not diplomats sitting in the chairs at the United Nations, nor are we equipped to be involved in world affairs at this scale. So, how do you see your role as a global citizen to foster understanding, promote empathy, and actively engage in addressing the world's conflicts? Do you think you can contribute towards the shared pledge of global cooperation as who you are, where you are, and what you do? I firmly believe that each of us possesses the ability and holds power, as individuals and collective citizens, to contribute to a more peaceful and interconnected world.

*The information in this article is from sources, including the United Nations, and is intended solely for the purpose of providing the audience with updates on Global developments.*

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By: Jialin Sun "Sunny"