Twenty years ago, our multilateral system, led by Kofi Annan, was able to develop effective solutions to massive challenges such as the toll taken by HIV/AIDS on African vulnerable populations. New institutions were put in place including the International Criminal Court or the Human Rights Council that carried the promise of justice on a global scale, while agreement was reached on the ambitious Millennium Development Goals.Today, as the world faces challenges that dwarf even the COVID pandemic, progress in multilateral fora seems impossible except on the smallest of common denominators. War, aggressive nationalism and authoritarianism have returned. We seem incapable of turning the tide of confrontation and violence.Technology and experience have given us the tools to predict conflicts, pandemics, climate change and other shocks and crises. And yet we seem unable to prevent them from happening. When they do occur, we can rely on elaborate mechanisms and a solid legal framework to facilitate international cooperation. And yet many leaders choose to ignore them and flout internationally agreed rules and standards.The Kofi Annan Foundation will carry on promoting a legacy of principled leadership and effective cooperation. With other members of the Board, I will continue to advocate obstinately for a greater focus on the vulnerable, for more innovative partnerships, for more effective prevention and for a reinvigorated multilateral system
