UN Emergency Coordinator Tom Fletcher has criticized the international political environment, suggesting that there is a prevalent feeling of impunity, where no one seems to be held accountable. According to Fletcher, this current period is marked by what he describes as a sort of “warlord ambition” and one where interactions are overly focused on transactions, which undermines the fundamentals of international cooperation, as if everyone is acting like a real estate broker.
Regarding the Sudan Conference scheduled for Wednesday in Berlin, Fletcher views the gathering as a successful step because it brings the appropriate parties together. He expressed concern, stating, “I believe we have moved into a world where everyone expects peace agreements to happen immediately” adding that achieving a successful peace resolution requires German patience and seriousness.
Fletcher is currently working on a “humanitarian restart”. Part of this initiative involves integrating artificial intelligence (AI), which could help cushion the impact of budget cuts for humanitarian aid. He believes that AI can assist in better forecasting and assessing future challenges, thereby improving preparation. Furthermore, this technology aids in tracking and ensuring accountability. For instance, he pointed out the existence of a tracker that details how the UN saved the lives of seven million people in January. Fletcher suggested this will help the UN regain legitimacy, aiming to demonstrate that their efforts are indeed effective and yield tangible results.