Closing Statement by H.E. Mr. Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, at the Interactive Multi-Stakeholder Hearing held in preparation for the[...]

Thank you to all Stakeholders, Member States and UN entities that joined us for this very enriching and insightful Hearing.

Today we have heard two very diverse and rich panels, that gave us food for thought on progress made, existing challenges and some recommendations for what is needed to ensure that the world is prepared for the next pandemic.

In Panel 1, we heard about the importance of multilateralism for equitable access. Speakers talked about available tools and mechanisms. The critical importance of the adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement was highlighted, which is a testament to the strength of multilateralism when countries come together to find shared approaches to shared threats. We also heard about strategies for prevention, including through a One Health approach, where the role of Member States is critical, with support from the Quadripartite agencies. Communities and youth are also central to PPPR, and it is vital that they are fully engaged in all aspects, especially when it comes to building trust and preventing the spread of disinformation. Empowering communities was stressed by many speakers, in that regard. The role of other actors, such as parliamentarians was also stressed, to ensure that global commitments are aligned with local and national priorities, and that they are reflected in national legislation, as well as get the required resource allocations.

In Panel 2, we focused on capacities and financing for strengthened PPPR. Speakers shared their views on concrete commitments needed to operationalize whole of government and whole of society approaches. They also highlighted gaps in local and national PPPR capacities and shared recommendations on what governments can do to ensure that current investments can translate into sustainable capacities, such as strengthened surveillance, a resilient and better trained workforce and diversified regional manufacturing capacities. The role of the private sector was highlighted as well. During the discussion we heard that domestic financing remains central for strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, as well as the role of international financing in complementing and filling the gaps. Speakers also highlighted the need for capacity development in low and middle income countries, and that investments now can save not just lives in the future, but reduce costs.

Ambassador Ngoga and I have listened carefully to all of the interventions and we will take these forward as we finalize the draft zero of the Political Declaration. At the onset of this Hearing, Ambassador Ngoga shared that our aim is to have a concise, action-oriented and inclusive Political Declaration. We will work closely with Member States throughout the negotiating process to ensure this.