RELATED
NEWS & OPINION

"History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes." I confess that over the years I have sometimes souped it up by rendering that last bit as "... but by God it rhymes!"

The narratives around the world show how the consumption-driven market economy has taken away everything that can be sustainable. A paradigm shift from a "for-profit" mindset to that of a "for-benefit" one is necessary. A new economic order that draws on the "for-public" DNA of the government, the efficiencies and profit mandate of the corporate world, and the social conviction and commitment of the non-profit sector is now needed. Focus needs to shift from revenue generation to ensuring benefit to all stakeholders. While this sounds challenging and like it might involve a long, drawn-out process, the COVID crisis has shown how this change is desirable — and has even already begun. What will be required is the political will and leadership to institutionalize it into the existing ecosystem.

The UN development system has developed a socio-economic response framework and has switched into emergency mode. A significant portion of the UN's existing portfolio of sustainable development programmes of a total of $17.8 billion across all the SDGs is being adjusted and expanded towards COVID-19 related needs, in close collaboration with programme countries, donors and partners.

When faced with adversity, male leaders have defaulted to militaristic vocabulary at least since defeated Romans were falling on their swords...Since responding to a virus is not achieved via combat, successfully suppressing it requires a wholly different mindset. Fortunately, several leaders around the world have reacted to the unconventional threat in unconventional style. And they are getting better results.

If we want to avoid ecological disaster, world leaders and citizens must act now, write actress Juliette Binoche and astrophysicist Aurélien Barrau in a call to arms signed by more than 200 artists and scientists.