UN continues doing vital work remotely due to virus

As the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the United Nations to operate in remote model, its vital work is proceeding in an orderly way, heads of UN principal organs said at a joint online briefing on Friday.

During the joint briefing by the UN principal organs to member states on the COVID-19 response, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres updated member states on measures taken to protect UN staff globally as they execute the organization's mandates, underlining that "our critical work is continuing largely uninterrupted".

The UN chief urged countries to support initiatives announced this week, such as his appeal for a global ceasefire, a humanitarian response fund for the world's poorest countries, and a call to stand against increasing hate crimes targeting people perceived to be associated with spreading the coronavirus.

He also announced the launch of a communications strategy aimed at fighting misinformation around the pandemic, according to the UN news.

The COVID-19 Communications for Solidarity Initiative will inform the global public and promote and inspire acts of humanity around the world.

China's permanent representative to the UN Zhang Jun, in his capacity as the president of the Security Council for this month, briefed the UN member states about the response and work of the council.

Ambassador Zhang said that COVID-19 has posed a huge challenge to the operations of United Nations organs, including the Security Council. The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. As president in March, China attaches great importance to the work of the council and has been working closely with council members in addressing challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, and discharging the council's responsibilities under the UN Charter.

According to Zhang, the council has adjusted its work plan in a timely manner so as to proactively prevent and control risks. The work of the council in the first two weeks of March was not seriously affected by the pandemic. Still, the council took precautionary measures to reduce the risk of virus spread. As the outbreak worsened in New York City and in view of the relevant arrangements by UN Headquarters, the council postponed its meetings in the third week of March, and adjusted its meetings this week, with the use of new methods of discussions.

Zhang said the council is actively exploring new working methods. Because of the worsening of the pandemic, video conferencing has been adopted.

Zhang said council members are discussing on a provisional procedure for the adoption of resolutions under current circumstances. Council members have reached consensus on several draft resolutions. He believes that the council will take action soon on these draft resolutions.

Zhang said the council is working hard in performing its duties, and responding timely to hot spot issues. Over the past two weeks, council members have maintained close communications by phone, email, video and other means.

The council issued press statements on the attack against the peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA),and on the terrorist attack in Afghanistan. After the two video conferences held this week, the council expressed itself through press elements on the situation in DRC and Libya.

The president said next week it will also discuss Syria, Afghanistan and other issues though video conferences.

Zhang said that COVID-19 is a new challenge. The emergency response and work adjustment by the council involves many technical, procedural and legal aspects. Members are in close consultation and working hard to explore ways and means.

Zhang emphasized that the council is in action and does not relax in its duties for even a moment. Council members will continue to communicate and coordinate with other UN organs. While addressing the challenges of the pandemic, council members will do whatever they can to fulfill the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The council will live up to its mission as mandated by all member states of the United Nations.

President of the General Assembly Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, and President of the Economic and Social Council Mona Juul joined the meeting. Member states of the UN participated in the briefing via internet. The briefing was broadcast worldwide via UN Web TV as well as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.