Vietnam calls for COVID-19 vaccine universalisation globally
VOV.VN - A Vietnamese diplomat has called on nations to show strong solidarity and co-operation in an effort to promote universal and equal access to anti-epidemic vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines.
Representing ASEAN at a meeting of the Economic and Financial Committee at the ongoing UN General Assembly, Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, proposed that priority should be given to taking care of disadvantaged people in society, in addition to offering technological transfers and financial support for developing countries.
Quy also highlighted ASEAN’s ongoing commitments and specific actions aimed at responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the establishment of a COVID-19 ASEAN Respond Fund, whilst also promoting the realisation of sustainable development goals moving towards 2030.
In his address, UN Under-Secretary General Liu Zhenmin emphasised the need to achieve global development objectives in the post-COVID-19 period. These include reducing poverty, alleviating social inequalities, stimulating the world’s green economy, avoiding a debt crisis for poor countries, and encouraging private enterprises to take action for the purpose of development.
During discussions, representatives of various nations noted that the COVID-19 epidemic has had a profoundly negative impact on poor countries, with the economic fallout of the pandemic leading to greater inequality and spells of social disorder.
They therefore called on the international community, especially developed countries, to strictly comply with commitments aimed at contributing to climate change funds, providing additional investment capital, ending unilateral economic sanctions, as well as supporting proposed UN reforms.