Security Council weighs benefits, drawbacks of pandemic-era innovations

Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, noting the interim working methods adopted by the Council to maintain business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the organ must reflect on its experiences and identify the best practices and shortcomings in order to face future challenges.

To that end, he offered several lessons informed by China's presidencies in March 2020 and May 2021, including the need to uphold true multilateralism by addressing international affairs through consultation aimed at consensus.

Stressing that unity among members demonstrates the Council's power and strength and remains the source of its authority, he called on members to accommodate each other's concerns and avoid resorting to a vote whenever a difference arises.

"It is untenable for the Council to be everything to everyone," he said, underscoring that instead the organ must focus on addressing urgent issues relating to international peace and security and exercise prudence when introducing new topics for consideration.