UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that as the world strives to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, one must focus heavily on how the poor and most vulnerable are disproportionately feeling the impacts of economic, social and environmental shocks.
This came during his speech on the sidelines of the 75th session of the General Assembly entitled "Towards A Shared Future for Developing Countries: Promoting Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development through Deepened South-South Cooperation".
Guterres added that poverty in developing countries remains a major challenge, while extreme poverty rates have decreased in recent years, between 70 and 100 million people are expected to fall into extreme poverty as a result of the pandemic by the end of 2020.
Also, an additional 265 million people may face severe food shortages, he said, noting that, in conjunction with the increasing risks of the climate change, their is an urgent need to eradicate poverty in all its forms that increases day by day.
“In addressing the direct effects of COVID-19, developing countries have worked hard to strengthen countries’ capacities, share information and good practices, and promote coordinated action, ”Guterres said.
"Trying times often reveal the strength of true friendship. In the struggle against imperialism and colonialism, we developing countries fought shoulder to shoulder to gain independence and liberation," he added.
According to World Bank, COVID-19 could cut global growth to minus 5.2% this year and push 70 to 100 million people into poverty. A UN report also warned about a first-time decline of the Human Development Index (HDI) in 30 years.
Developing countries, due to weaker public health systems and shortages of medical professionals and supplies, have been hit hard by COVID-19. Developed countries, plunged into a ravaging pandemic and economic downturn, have slashed input in international development cooperation. The implementation of the 2030 Agenda would be all the more difficult, and the gap between the North and the South could be widened.
Guterres four proposals to overcome COVID-19 crises:
1) A need to focus on the 2030 Agenda as a central priority. Development is the foundation for peace and for human survival and dignity.
2) The commitment to work toward no poverty as our primary goal. Poverty confines human freedom and subdues development.
3) The urgency to work together for final victory in our battle against COVID-19.
4) A demand for Jointly galvanizing South-South cooperation for a new era.
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