UN and World Leaders Come Together to Discuss Pandemic Preparedness

The 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) kicked off on the 14th of September 2021, with Abdulla Shahid of the Maldives sworn in as President of the General Assembly. The general debate which began on September 21st will go on till September 27th.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had initially urged World Leaders to discuss and guarantee Covid-19 vaccines for all and other life-saving tools. The turnout of over 100 Heads of States in New York for the meeting despite the constraints of the pandemic was evident that they were ready for business.

By the end of the meeting, we believe the World Leaders would have covered issues and decisions towards tackling the effects of the pandemic on the Nations. They will be focusing on the following:

 Vaccine Equity

According to the WHO its targets are to vaccinate at least 40% of the population of every country by the end of this year, and 70% by the middle of next year.

 WHO is urging countries to fulfil their dose-sharing commitments as soon as possible and to swap their near-term vaccine deliveries with COVAX and AVAT (African COVID-19 Vaccine Acquisition Task Team).

Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

WHO said that despite recent advances in UHC, 90% of countries have reported disruptions in essential health services as a result of the pandemic, with the consequences extending beyond the health sector. Strengthening UHC across the globe to prepare for future pandemics is crucial to enhancing global health security.

Revitalize the UN

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set up by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2015, is the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. They are interlinked global goals designed to achieve a better and sustainable future for all. The discussion will be to put the SDG plan back on track.

Reducing the Impact of Panic

 The cycle of panic and neglect must be broken. We saw firsthand what that did to our country, Nigeria. Looting, destruction of property, devaluation of the Naira, and our health centres being ill-equipped to deal with the pandemic.

Rebuilding Sustainability

 A food system summit took place for the first time on September 23rd. The summit was organized around ensuring sustainable and nutritious food for all, changing consumption patterns, increasing natural production, advancing equitable livelihoods, and building resilience through hope in the face of vulnerabilities, shock, and stress.

Planet Needs and Climate Change

 SDG Knowledge Hub stated that in November, countries will be heading to Glasgow, Scotland, for the UN Climate Change Conference (or COP 26). As part of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, parties must submit enhanced action plans and targets. Response to the needs of the planet and climate change will be discussed at UNGA.

 Overall, world leaders, including the United Nations, World Health Organisation, and the Nigerian Solidarity Support Fund, amongst other bodies, agree that vaccines are the most effective tools for ending the threat known as a pandemic and restoring livelihoods.