At the dawn of 2020, the world woke up to a new challenge. A battle to protect the well-being of humanity on this planet.

For thousands of years of human history, we were often unready to deal with major challenges: storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, diseases, famines, floods and droughts. Yet we have survived and flourished, and life eventually returned tonormal, though often with a very heavy price. We remember the crisis, the calland the confrontation. The challenge.

In 2020, once again, human beings have been confronted and challenged. A novel coronavirus suddenly appeared and spread with frightening rapidity. Threatening the health and lives of the entire human race. It is unprecedented, not only because of the high infectivity of the pandemic, but also because it has happened in a highly connected world. This time it is a global challenge. Although we were again not ready. At least we have come to realize that “we are one”. And we must stand together in the face of this challenge.

Fighting this crucial battle, medical workers volunteered for the front line risking allto save and treat suffering patients. Government officials and experts from different countries have gone all out to tackle the challenge. Sharing practices, information and knowledge and helping with essential supplies.People around the world took part in “one world, together at home ” concert as a tribute to the healthcare workers and as a co-ordinated response to this unparalleled challenge.

The year 2020 is challenging us. The villages of the global village. Our “neighbors” are no longer the people who live next door, but include all of those whose lives are connected to our own. The challenge this time is not for a single person, or a single region, but for us all the human beings on our earth, our planet. In many ways we stand at a special moment in history. We know that we will face even more world-changing challenges in the future.

“As the heavenly bodies keep moving vigorously. Human beings should strive continuously to strengthen themselves.” Can we join together to confront the next challenge with love and wisdom, and dedicate ourselves to the common destiny of all mankind?