Primordiality of global solidarity

More specifically , one representative warned against all forms of "vaccine nationalism", and said developing a vaccine should not become "a new race to the moon". He called for solidarity in the form of "early, fair and affordable access to vaccines".

Asian voices

Interesting ideas have been expressed in the same context by representatives of Asian countries.

Philippines asserted that " Now is the time to further strengthen our networks of solidarity and cooperation…. the time is now for greater collective courage and meaningful actions to see the end of this pandemic. With the path clear, we see how far we can go working with each other and how much we can achieve, when we act - not as separate nations - but as one humanity".

Thailand underlined that "a commitment to the multilateral system and the solidarity of the international community are the keys to overcoming this crisis in a sustainable manner. As for Thailand and ASEAN member countries, we have put in place robust mechanisms to fight the Covid-19 pandemic through various initiatives such as the Covid-19 ASEAN Response Fund, the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, and the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. These initiatives will promote health security, support sustainable recovery and enhance the region's resilience and immunity for the long-term".

As the 2020 ASEAN Chair, Viet Nam believed that "the international community will emerge triumphant by harnessing the will and power of each nation, and strengthening our solidarity and cooperation".

The representative of Singapore stressed in his national statement the relevance of vaccine multilateralism and the work of the COVAX Facility and asked what can be done to ensure early vaccine access for vulnerable countries and how those countries can prepare to receive vaccines.

Malaysia declared that "Our national measures must be supported by a concerted global effort. Interdependency and solidarity must be the order of the day; in the name of our joint destiny, our shared humanity, and the value of our common hope".

In 2021, Brunei Darussalam will be the Chairman of ASEAN and announced that it will continue to coordinate both national and regional endeavors to respond to the Covid-19 crisis and minimize its consequences, contributing to the overall global effort. More specifically, as far as ASEAN and its partners are concerned, their leaders have responded to the alarming situation and put into effect timely measures to collectively respond to Covid-19, as well as address the profound impacts on that region. In this regard, ASEAN has also taken the very first steps to initiate a 'travel bubble', to encourage a revival in the region and to promote safe travel once again, built upon bilateral 'Green Lane Arrangements'. While being cognizant of public health safety and the wellbeing of our people, there is hope to see business and economic stability and recovery in the ASEAN region soon.

The statement of the representative of China was symbolically entitled Reinforce Global Cooperation with Renewed Solidarity to Defeat COVID-19 and contained inter alia the assertion that "We hope that all parties will focus on the issue at hand, strengthen solidarity and expand consensus to reinforce cooperation".

A significant proposal

The most significant proposal advanced during the 31^st UNGA special session was introduced by Charles Michel, President of the European Council. He announced first that the EU intends to play its part in facilitating the equitable distribution of vaccines through donations of part of the doses purchased by its member states. "The success as regards vaccines is the result of mobilization and of international solidarity. With a view to possible future pandemics, we now need to build on this approach, structuring our collective capacity to anticipate, prepare for and manage such crises. I propose that we do so through an international treaty on pandemics". (italics added)