latest

Japan Calls for Global Solidarity to Overcome COVID-19

TOKYO – Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday called on the international community to create a “united world” to defeat the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“This crisis has reminded us of the need for global solidarity,” Suga said in a video speech delivered during the General Debate of the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly held in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“To overcome this crisis, we must realize a ‘united world’, not a ‘divided world’, in the face of this challenge,” he said.

Suga pointed out that the United Nations (UN) is a forum where all stakeholders engage constructively and work together with transparency.

He added that Japan is ready to cooperate in the review and reform process of the World Health Organization (WHO) to overcome the ongoing crisis and prepare for future crises.

He also stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation schemes such as the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator to overcome the pandemic.

The prime minister vowed to continue Japan's commitment to contribute to the COVAX facility, a global initiative aimed at ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, once available, by participating countries.

Suga also pointed out the importance of reviving the gobal economy and realize economic growth in order to create a new society in the COVID- and post-COVID-era.

Japan is implementing the COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support Loan worth up to 500 billion yen over the next two years to bolster economic activities in developing countries. - Florenda Corpuz

(Photo: Screengrab from Ministry of Foreign Affairs via YouTube)