Almost by the week, we see the proliferation of conflicts, an erosion of the international rule-based order and collapsing international cooperation across several domains.

In the face of multiple challenges, the very urgent often overtakes the vitally important. It is tempting, and quite frankly a natural human reaction, to focus on the most immediately visible issues.

With numerous severe challenges vying for our attention, today’s event – where we are welcoming representatives from all six continents to focus on the ongoing climate and nature crises – conveys a powerful and hopeful message. It shows that coming together, cooperating and engaging with one another across…