Global Governance and Sustainable Development: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

This manuscript explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global governance, highlighting the significant weaknesses in both democratic and authoritarian regimes. The crisis exacerbated social inequalities and exposed the limitations of the current capitalist development model. Democratic countries faced challenges in balancing public health measures with individual freedoms, while authoritarian regimes used the crisis to consolidate power. The pandemic also intensified discrimination against minority groups and widened wealth disparities. This commentary advocates for a shift towards a sustainable development model that prioritizes social equity and environmental sustainability, addressing the ecological impact of current consumption patterns and the necessity for systemic change.