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As we conclude this High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, I wish to thank all stakeholders for their valuable contributions throughout the day.

I would also like to warmly congratulate the Co-Chairs of our two multi-stakeholder panels for ably guiding rich and forward-looking discussions.

Today’s deliberations demonstrated a shared recognition that, while important progress has been achieved since the adoption of the 2023 Political Declaration, further efforts are needed to strengthen prevention, preparedness and response capacities at all levels.

I took away four key observations:

First, pandemic preparedness cannot begin and end with health systems. It must take a whole-of-society, One Health approach, recognizing the connections between human, animal and environmental health, while accounting for climate vulnerability, food security and social protection.

Just as importantly, communities cannot simply be recipients of public-health policy. They must be involved in designing it.

Second, equity and access must be built into preparedness.

COVID-19 exposed how existing inequalities can rapidly widen during a crisis, deepening poverty and human-rights disparities.

As one delegation put it, “innovation without access is not innovation, it is injustice.”

Preparedness must therefore address not only the development of vaccines, diagnostics and treatments, but also who can actually access them. Participants highlighted the need for fairer financing, stronger local infrastructure and more equitable access to technology and data.

Third, trust in public-health systems must be built before a crisis strikes, so that each investment leaves stronger systems and institutions behind.

The same principle applies internationally. Several countries stressed the importance of cross-border communication and cooperation, recalling that during COVID-19, unilateral travel restrictions and fragmented national responses sometimes took the place of coordinated action.

Finally, we need a more inclusive and effective global health architecture, bringing together governments, international institutions, communities, scientists, civil society and other relevant actors.

This includes the swift conclusion of the negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing annex, as urged by multiple delegations, so that the WHO Pandemic Agreement can open for signature.

Excellencies,

These points were further evidenced across our two panel discussions.

Our first multi-stakeholder panel, “The World Together,” drew on lessons from COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, Ebola and other health emergencies.

The discussion reaffirmed the importance of science-based decision-making, transparency and trust, timely data and pathogen sharing, and strengthened surveillance and laboratory systems.

Participants also stressed international cooperation, knowledge-sharing and equitable access to technologies and expertise.

Our second multi-stakeholder panel, “Equitable Access Through Sustainability and Predictability,” emphasized investment in resilient health systems, prevention capacities and community-based services.

Participants underscored the need to strengthen research and development, local and regional manufacturing, as well as supply chains and regulatory capacity to ensure timely, equitable and affordable access to critical tools.

Many also stressed the need for predictable and sustainable financing, alongside stronger cooperation to support country-led priorities and avoid fragmentation.

And throughout our discussions, we heard again the indispensable role of local communities and young people in building trust, combating misinformation and strengthening preparedness.

Excellencies,

In my opening remarks this morning, I spoke of the importance of remembering what we all went through during COVID-19.

I spoke of the shared anxiety, trauma and challenges.

But I would add to this the need to recall the sense of solidarity that many of us felt during that time.

I personally remember how people left groceries on the doorsteps of their neighbors.

And we all heard stories of people singing from balconies during lockdowns, or cheering for frontline workers.

Solidarity is a powerful force, and we should draw on these shared experiences as we chart a path forward.

Let us therefore leave this meeting with renewed determination.

Let us translate lessons learned into lasting action.

And let us work together to ensure that future generations inherit a world that is safer, healthier and better prepared because of the lessons we learned.

I thank you.