Guterres highlights private sector role in pandemic recovery

Guterres highlights private sector role in pandemic recovery

NEW YORK — The private sector has a key role to play in lifting countries out of both the COVID-19 and climate crises, UN Secretary-General António Guterres told international business leaders on Monday.“We need you more than ever to help us change course, end fragility, avert climate catastrophe and build the equitable and sustainable future we want and need”, he said in a speech to the Davos Agenda gathering of the World Economic Forum, which is taking place online this year instead of in the Swiss Alps.The secretary-general addressed the forum as the UN released its latest report, which warns that global economic recovery from the pandemic remains precarious.Time to change course COVID-19 has generated the worst economic crisis for nearly a century, exposing inequalities and fragilities both within and among countries, Guterres said, speaking from New York,“We have reached a moment of truth. In 2021 we must address these fragilities and put the world on track,” he stated.“It is time to change course and take the sustainable path. And, this year,