UN Secretary-General: We are facing the most difficult crisis since World War II

The UN Secretary-General says that the spread of the coronavirus, which threatens everyone, as well as its economic consequences and a recession that will likely be unprecedented, "have led us to believe that we are facing the most difficult crisis since the Second World War."

Antonio Guterres warned reporters on April 3 that the consequences of the crisis caused by the new coronavirus pandemic could lead to conflict and instability.

"A disease that is a threat to everyone and to the world, and the economic consequences that could bring an unprecedented recession in recent years; the combination of these two realities and the risks they pose in fueling instability, fueling conflict, fueling conflicts, have led us to believe that we are facing the most difficult crisis since World War II."

In his opening remarks to reporters, the UN Secretary-General said that global economic growth is expected to enter a recession in 2020 and 2021 "as bad as 2009 or even worse."

Mr. Guterres is referring to the financial and economic crisis that gripped the world from 2007 to 2009, which some describe as the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

These statements complement the recent forecast of the International Monetary Fund, which said that the world has entered an economic recession and that exiting this situation requires extensive budget allocations and measures.

The UN Secretary-General has called for global solidarity not only to combat the spread of the virus but also to confront its "social and economic devastation."

"We must not only see the solidarity of the countries of the world to defeat the virus, but we must see this solidarity to confront its profound consequences... A stronger and more effective response is only possible if we are all together. If we all stand together and if we forget about political games and understand that it is the whole of humanity that is currently facing danger."

Mr. Guterres, meanwhile, continued to criticize the lack of an aid package for developing countries and warned that the focus should be on those who will be most affected: "women, the elderly, young people and low-income workers, small and medium-sized businesses, volunteers, especially those working in humanitarian crises and in the midst of conflict."

Source: Radio Farda