"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Statement by Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan At the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPR)

[Place]
[Date] September 20, 2023
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

The COVID-19 pandemic has made an unprecedented impact, and it became evident that prevention, preparedness and response in each country make a difference. Based on the lessons learned, the international community must work together hand-in-hand, with a sense of urgency, to develop the global health architecture and strengthen PPR for the entire world, including developing countries.

As the G7 Presidency, Japan has made substantial contributions to strengthening PPR.

In Hiroshima, the G7 renewed the commitment to improving global health governance. It is critical to enhance political momentum including on a leader-level governance with a view to achieving universal health coverage, or UHC. Japan continues to lead discussions in this regard.

Strengthening international norms and regulations, especially strengthening health systems, is essential. This includes surveillance for rapid sharing and aggregation of data and the laboratory testing capacity. Japan will contribute to the negotiations on the “Pandemic Accord” and the amendments to the International Health Regulations.

The COVID-19 shed light on the importance of ensuring equitable access to medical countermeasures, or MCM, including vaccines worldwide. Japan is promoting the “MCM Delivery Partnership for Equitable Access” launched at the Hiroshima Summit.

The G7 highlighted their financial contributions for UHC and PPR totaling more than $ 48 billion from the public and private sectors, and Japan expressed its intention to make contributions totaling more than $ 7.5 billion. Japan is determined to further promote efforts such as the collaboration between finance and health authorities, effective management of the Pandemic Fund and the establishment of quick and efficient financing mechanisms during health emergencies, working together with all stakeholders.

The next health emergencies can occur anywhere and anytime. Japan continues to work closely with you all. Thank you.