An article by our partners in Chennai, AISC
____
On September 21st, 2020, the UN celebrated its Annual international Day of Peace. Every year, AISC also celebrates this meaningful day, marking it with a barrage of speeches, a parade, and a fair showcasing countries’ cultures. This year, to mark the UN’s 75th Anniversary, we, the MUN Impact chapter, decided to undertake a community conversation in order to better engage the AISC community in global affairs and see their input on solutions to inequality in the time of COVID. The concept for the discussion, created and encouraged by the UN, is best explained by Secretary-General Guterres:
“In January, the start of the UN’s 75th anniversary, Secretary-General António Guterres launched the world’s biggest conversation on building a better future for all. The vision was to spark conversations (“UN75 dialogues”) in all settings on priorities for the future, obstacles to achieving them, and the role of international cooperation in making progress. Over 330 dialogues in 87 countries were held in the first three months of year – physically and virtually. It is vital that peoples’ voices are heard at this crucial time for the world.”
The discussion allowed us, at AISC, to highlight the important issue of Inequality in the Time of COVID-19. The topic itself — purposely ambiguous can point to varying forms of inequalities and different SDGs. Take Economic Inequality, it is most deeply rooted SDGs 1, 2, and 3. COVID-19 has disadvantaged the poor, as they are no longer able to bring in income, and many around the world have been left starving or homeless. In the short term, we have seen several good samaritans and NGOs step up and provide food and relief for these individuals. Moreover, gender inequality was a large part of our discussion — 5, as many pointed out the regression in gender equality around the world, citing rising rates of unemployment and domestic violence directly due to COVID-19. Ultimately, our discussion revolved around all of the SDGs, particularly highlighting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. We are proud to carry out the wishes of the UN and Secretary-General, while engaging our AISC community to the global community.