Standing Together; How we have become a united global community

By Miguel Garzón and Zoe Schulz.

Our modern society is brimming with diversity and we have become a global community. Different countries and cities are connected, and with this their citizens become more multicultural. We exist in this global community as individuals, so there will always be differences between some of us, whether racial, LGBTQ+, or generational, however we are facing COVID-19 together, as a united community.

Too often, these differences are simplified in the political field. We’re divided by “right” and “left”. Since the French Revolution, “Girondins” have been sited at right and “Jacobins” left, and our parliaments have manipulated this division. Alongside us, politicians, journalist and our friends are grouped into “right” or “left”. However, as complex and individual beings it is nonsensical that our intricate minds could be reduced to two poles.

This political chessboard has had some surprises, although Trump or Bolsonaro have played their usual game of confronting their opponents, other leaders are revolutionising the political game by working together and uniting communities.

Portugal is a gleaming example of these good practices and inspiring leadership. Their Prime Minister, Antonio Costa, and the opposition leader, Rui Rio have been protagonists of an exemplary debate. They have been able to recognise the unprecedented weight of the current crisis and leave aside their differences to fight it.

Another unexpected hero is the Mayor of Madrid, Martínez-Almeida, an area hit particularly hard by COVID-19. Following the Portuguese example, their opposition has understood his role facing this pandemic. José Fernández, councillor at Madrid Cityhall, spoke of the significance of taking action over prejudice “Countries and cities are looking for charismatic leaders, those that have their insights on solutions for this pandemic, more than political strategies. Head of governments should reach out to their political opponents. We are really glad that Madrid is an example of unity and spirit of true dialogue”. On the other side of the world, Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Arden has also proven that this crisis calls for empathetic leaders. She put herself and her cabinet forward for a 20% pay cut throughout the pandemic and has urged her country to show kindness and look out for one another. It is these leaders who are able to inspire hope and keep spirits up when it is needed the most.

This struggle has simultaneously had anonymous and unsung heroes, those that are saving lives just by staying home and maintaining social distance and key workers putting themselves at risk every day. These individuals are not on the front page of the newspapers, but they are vital in facing this fight all the same.

Our community has organisations that are stepping up to the battle too, with Gilead Sciences currently testing a medication “Remdesivir”, that may be able to fight the novel coronavirus. Both Gilead and GSK have also joined the global race to find a vaccine for this disease, offering their expertise in this area and their technology. With the health of the world at stake, a vaccine has perhaps never been quite so urgently needed.

On top of this, pioneers in their field, Roche, have developed a new test for COVID-19, which has been granted emergency authorisation from the FDA due to its high importance. These tests will mean a significant increase in available testing, something that is urgently needed to slow the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca is pushing forward with a new coronavirus drug trial. Clinical trials are set to begin to test the effectiveness of the drug. If this is a success, it could be monumental in the treatment of severe coronavirus patients.

Without a doubt, we will get through these tough times, but it will take leaders joining forces, citizens following their civic duties and organisations pushing boundaries like never before. When we do get through this, let's ensure we continue to work together and look out for one another, as a united community.

Sign up to mygwork