Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his video message to the UN General Assembly’s special session on COVID-19 response on December 3-4. Photos: VNA

The United Nations General Assembly approved Vietnam's initiative with a resolution proclaiming December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered a message on the Day (December 27,2020)

The following is the full text of the message.

“The international community is witnessing the closure of 2020, a year full of challenges and adversities stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic. Against this backdrop and at Vietnam's initiative, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution proclaiming December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. This Resolution holds great significance, as it helps raise awareness for each individual, community, state and the world on the importance, necessity and urgency of the prevention of, preparedness for and partnership against epidemics.

In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam has marshaled the broad support and participation of its entire population, with medical workers at the forefront, and engaged in active cooperation with various countries and regional and international organizations. Through such efforts, we have kept the pandemic under good control, maintained social welfare, bolstered economic recovery and sustained remarkable growth. By way of these achievements, as a responsible member of the international community, Vietnam put forward the initiative for the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness in its capacity as both the 2020 ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

It is truly a great honor that this initiative has received strong support from the international community. To elaborate, 112 countries have co-sponsored it. This is testimony to the timeliness of Vietnam's initiative and its relevance to the international community in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and other ongoing and future epidemics. It also constitutes another milestone in Vietnam's pursuit of active international integration and enhanced multilateral diplomacy.  

The UN General Assembly on December 7 approved Resolution A/RES/75/27 proclaiming December 27 as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

As we celebrate the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness for the first time, I call upon nations, organizations and individual to join us in endorsing and observing this Resolution. Let me draw your attention to these areas:

         
First, we need to forge stronger policy coordination and unity in action, attaching due importance to international cooperation and the effort of multilateral institutions for global governance centered around the United Nations. This will enable us to curb the COVID-19 pandemic, prevent and combat epidemics effectively.

Second, we must place the people's interest at the heart of all policies and action, prioritizing the protection of human health and lives above all. In the short term, we need to ensure affordable access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatment drugs for people in all countries and territories.

Doctors prepare to vaccinate volunteers with Vietnam's COVID-19 vaccine Nano Covax.

Third, we should actively adapt to the new normal. This translates to a cohesive and holistic mix of solutions to promote economic recovery while fighting the pandemic, facilitate cross-border trade and investment, and maintain supply chains, especially of essential goods, food and medical supplies.