Many entered the decade of the 2020s with hope for a better and more united world. Rather disappointingly, the decade of the 2020s up until this point has proven to be rife with division, conflict, and extreme polarization. Today, society is torn between two opposite ends, raging against one another. Both sides are growing suspicious and more suspicious of the other end - cooperation and unity seem to be a concept of the past. Polarization and division have already encroached upon the international community. Barriers to trade, cultural exchange, and overseas students have sadly become the new norm. Countries have veered away from the mindset of peaceful cooperation and to the mindset of protecting one’s self-interest through the restrainment of others. Another cold war dividing the world into two camps looms ever closer. Differences are no longer celebrated but have become excuses to limit, discriminate, and harm. However, differences need not make us enemies. If polarization is inevitable, then humanity must learn to coexist in a polarized world. As a global community, it is time for us to seek ways to celebrate our differences again rather than entrench them through discrimination, polarization, and marginalization. We must respect each other, acknowledge our differences, and seek a peaceful way to coexist in this turbulent world. Perhaps, the idea of a united world is just a rosy dream, but we must work towards that goal - to accept each other’s differences and find a way to coexist without descending into hatred and violence. By striving for peaceful coexistence, we can create a more just, compassionate, and united world.

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- BEIMUN XXXI 2024 Secretariat