UNGA81 High Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response Multi-stakeholder Statement

Thank you, Chair. I would like to share three key messages.

First, prevention must start before pathogens reach people. Agrifood systems are central at the human-animal-environment interface. Sustainable, resilient agrifood systems provide safe, nutritious food, strengthen livelihoods and protect ecosystems. Animal vaccination, biosecurity, responsible land-use planning, safe value chains and stronger animal health services reduce spillover risk at source. Investing in village animal health workers, community volunteers and frontline personnel in surveillance, risk communication and community engagement also builds early detection, trust and local ownership.

Second, pandemic preparedness is a whole-of-society and whole-of-government challenge. COVID-19 was not only a health crisis; it disrupted food supply chains, livelihoods and food security, widening inequalities. Preparedness cannot be confined to health ministries. Agriculture, animal health, food safety, wildlife, environment, finance and communities all have essential roles. We need a true One Health approach-integrating soil, plant, animal, human and environmental health-through formal coordination, joint risk assessment and integrated surveillance across sectors and borders. Preparedness must become a permanent national capability, institutionalized in policies, plans and budgets, not a temporary project.

Third, we must invest and cooperate. FAO's economic assessment shows the cost of prevention is far lower than inaction. The FAO Global Partnership Programme for Transboundary Animal Diseases (GPP-TAD), now supported by over 120 Members, offers a country-driven, integrated platform linking early warning, risk intelligence, anticipatory action, preparedness and rapid response. Financing must reach agriculture, animal health and environment-not only health-and support laboratories, workforce, food safety and resilient supply chains. We need equitable access to financing, technologies and expertise. Let us move from project-by-project approaches to predictable, sustainable investment, strengthening the Four Betters and leaving no one behind. Healthy foods come from healthy soils, healthy plants and healthy animals, and from a healthy environment.

Thank you.