No-one can doubt that 2020 is a year of crisis in human affairs. And this is having an impact on possibilities and difficulties in the evolution of the cooperative spirit at the UN – just as it is having an impact on every area of life at city, provincial and national levels.

Recent articles highlight some of the challenges and opportunities of this crisis time at the UN. Coming posts on the Blog will feature more articles with different perspectives on this theme. The goal is to help readers deepen their understanding of elements of power politics and the relations between national sovereignty and the increasing need for globally coordinated responses to problems arising from our interdependence.  Where is the spirit of cooperation for the common good growing in the realpolitik of the UN? where is its absence being highlighted? and what are the different pathways for empowering the cooperative spirit at the UN?

• The UN’s 75th Birthday: A Critical Chance for the Globe to Save Itself - from Passblue

• UN Forum offers 'Sobering' Vision of SDGs Progress and New Virtual Reality - from Devex