LONDON (CU)_23 heads of state from across the world have called for a global treaty in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to the one agreed after the Second World War, to bolster cross-border cooperation before the next international health crisis.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, among others, warned against isolationism, particularly amidst clashes between countries over vaccine supplies.
Writing for newspapers across the world, the leaders described the Coronavirus pandemic as “the biggest challenge to the global community since the 1940s”, adding that it is a painful reminder that “nobody is safe until everyone is safe”.
They noted that the agreement should lead to transparency and cooperation according to international rules and norms, as well as stronger mutual accountability and shared responsibility.
“There will be other pandemics and other major health emergencies,” PM Johnson told The Daily Telegraph.
“No single government or multilateral agency can address this threat alone. Together we must be better prepared to predict, prevent, detect, assess and effectively respond to pandemics in a highly-coordinated fashion.”
He added that amidst this global pandemic, countries must seize this opportunity and come together for peaceful cooperation.
“Our solidarity in ensuring that the world is better prepared will be our legacy that protects our children and grandchildren and minimizes the impact of future pandemics on our economies and our societies,” He noted.
Accordingly, PM Johnson said that the agreement should pave the way for international cooperation on data-sharing, research, alerts systems, as well as on the production and distribution of medical supplies, including vaccines, medicines and personal protective equipment.
These comments by the British Prime Minister comes amidst growing concerns over the inequality of vaccine distribution worldwide.
The United Kingdom and the European Union, particularly, have been hinting on possible export bans on vaccines, while many poorer nations have barely started their vaccination programmes owing to the lack of supply or infrastructure.
Other leaders who backed the idea of a pandemic treaty included heads of state of Portugal, Romania, Rwanda, Kenya, Netherlands, South Africa, Norway, Spain, and the President of the European Council.
