Wars, geopolitical tensions, climate change and rapid technological advances are placing the international system under growing pressure. As crises increasingly cross borders, one question is becoming harder to avoid: can countries still find enough common ground to work together?

The conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine show the human cost of division. In Sudan, fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has displaced millions since the conflict began in April 2023. In Ukraine, millions remain displaced, while attacks on homes and critical infrastructure continue to create serious humanitarian needs.

These conflicts also remind us that peace means more than simply stopping the fighting. Communities emerging from war often face damaged infrastructure, disrupted food supplies, unemployment and displacement. Without security, functioning institutions and economic opportunities, fragile peace can quickly give way to renewed instability. Lasting peace must give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity.

Information has become another important part of the peace equation. Misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly during conflicts, elections and emergencies. False narratives can deepen social divisions, distort public debate and weaken trust in institutions. At the same time, artificial intelligence is making fabricated images, audio and video increasingly difficult to identify. This places greater responsibility on journalists to verify information and provide accurate, independent reporting.

Climate change is adding another layer of pressure. Extreme weather events are affecting communities across Africa, threatening food security, livelihoods and economic stability. For countries already dealing with conflict, poverty or displacement, these pressures can make recovery even more difficult.

For Africa and the wider Global South, cooperation must also involve fairness and representation. Countries experiencing serious consequences from global crises should have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their future.

Cooperation does not mean countries must agree on everything. The realistic goal is to identify areas where they can still act together: protecting civilians, supporting displaced communities, strengthening reliable information, improving climate resilience and ensuring emerging technologies are used responsibly.

The world is under pressure, but division is not the only response. Without cooperation, cross-border crises will become harder to contain and their human and economic costs will grow. Global cooperation may not solve every crisis, but it remains essential for turning shared challenges into shared action and giving peace a better chance to endure.