MA XUEJING/CHINA DAILY We have all been living in what is described as the VUCA world in recent years. VUCA stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. Within nations, we have been witnessing such global mega trends as aging societies, urbanization, rising expectations of the middle-income group, the rapid pace of innovation, the existential threat of climate change and mounting pressures on sustainability. At the global level, we have seen how the tides of de-globalization have brought forth growing discontent, fueling unilateralism, extreme nationalism and protectionism. In 2020, while the novel coronavirus ravaged its way across borders, international cooperation took a back seat. In the early days of the outbreak, countries were forced to fend for themselves, resorting to unilateral measures, such as closing off borders, banning the export of much-needed medical equipment and supplies. The role of the World Health Organization became paralyzed and polarized.