Remarks by the President of the 78th session of the General Assembly,

H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis,

at the Closing of the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response

[As Delivered]

20 September 2023

Excellencies,

Colleagues,

I wish to thank each of you for your contributions to this High-Level Meeting.

During my opening remarks, I called for solidarity and unity in addressing the collective challenge of pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

And I stressed the need for action to back up our words.

Today, we have heard from dozens of Heads of State and Government, and nearly 100 ministers, on how precisely we can do just that.

We also heard from a wide range of stakeholders during our panel discussions.

During Panel 1, we heard from speakers about their experiences responding to, and preparing for, pandemics, as well as the steps needed to be taken by all to ensure equity and accountability.

We heard about the very real hands-on experience of practitioners on the ground, including the experiences of private sector partners, young people, and those in the UN System. And we heard the calls to maintain the focus on people and communities, especially the most vulnerable.

It was clear that we need to heed the lessons of COVID-19 pandemic and secure the necessary financing and legal frameworks now to advance equitable pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Participants pointed to the intergovernmental processes underway in Geneva as a step in that direction.

During Panel 2, we heard about the types of investments needed to build capacities and bridge inequities. Beyond financial support, participants pointed to the need to invest in tools and capacities to ensure a well-trained and well-equipped workforce.

The importance of partnerships amongst governments, international organizations, and private sector partners was highlighted. Participants stressed the need for rapid, unhindered, and equitable access to pathogens to support development and manufacturing of diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines.

Colleagues, I thank WHO for their partnership in organizing this meeting and all participants for the constructive recommendations. We must ensure that all countries have the capacities they need, including stronger, well-financed and well-resourced health systems; trained and protected healthcare workers; and supplies of vaccines, tests, and treatments.

I urge all countries to build on these discussions, and to engage in the negotiations on a future pandemic accord. If the next pandemic arrives, we must be ready.

Excellencies,

The Political Declaration has given us the parameters.

The real work now begins; now we must convert it into action.

END