The non-binding declaration was adopted by 153 votes in favour and three against, with two abstentions.
Argentina, Israel and the United States (US) opposed the text, while New Zealand and Paraguay abstained.
The declaration was initially expected to be adopted by consensus during a high-level meeting on September 25. Objections from the US and other countries forced the matter to a General Assembly vote. “No country, no matter how big it might be or how prepared it might be, can alone address a threat that knows no borders,” Chile said.
The declaration calls for cooperation guided by scientific evidence, equity and respect for human rights. It also welcomes the adoption of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Agreement in 2025.
“WHO welcomes this strong commitment by UN Member States to continue working together on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response,” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
“The world has come a long way since COVID-19. We urge countries to now fulfil the commitments they have made.”
Tedros called for negotiations to be concluded on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing annex to the Pandemic Agreement.
The proposed system would allow countries to share pathogen samples and genetic data while receiving access to resulting vaccines, treatments and diagnostic products.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
