New York Narratives: Sprints, Summits, and Solidarity
Ready, Set, Go!
Who would have thought that the streets of New York would witness me, not in conversation or contemplation, but in full athletic fervor? Truth be told, I had to double-take at my own shadow mid-sprint. While my joints might protest, my spirit soars, gratified that our collective journey toward universal health doesn't require such literal marathons amidst New York City’s maze.
On a more serious note, I did enjoy being part of the vibrant "Walk the Talk: Health for all Challenge". Our motley crew of UN delegates, athletes, and spirited New Yorkers led by no less than the New York City Mayor Eric Adams himself, came together, not just to pound the pavement, but to echo a sentiment, a shared dream of health for every person. What a delightful and dynamic preamble to the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) week—a blend of playful exertion and the profound companionship that defines our shared mission. Such camaraderie sets a hopeful tone for the event-filled days ahead. And what an apt way to commence what can only be described a global health week with three High Level Meetings focused on health issues.
As New York, in all its grandeur, hums with activity from the UN General Assembly, the world now needs action, not just eloquence; tangible strides toward equity, unwavering solidarity, and a heartfelt embrace of inclusivity. Each word we speak, each promise we make, begs the question: Where do we stand in genuine collaboration? Where are the hands willing to build, the minds ready to share, and the coffers open to fuel our shared goals? Will we truly walk the talk?
Having already opened a CSO consultation on behalf of FIND focused on implementing the all important Diagnostics Resolution adopted earlier this year at the World Health Assembly, I look forward to a busy few days ahead.
Tomorrow sees the High Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR). In April, I spoke at the Multistakeholder Consultation on PPPR for the HLM on the need to have International Financial Institutions in the room for discussions regarding PPPR. Tomorrow, I will speak again on a panel, co-chaired by the Health Ministers of Singapore and France on ‘Ensuring equity through capacity building for PPPR and harnessing timely, sustainable and innovative financing and investment’.
Financing, the lifeblood of pandemic preparedness, stands central. A lofty dream without the requisite resources is, after all, a mere wisp in the wind. It is with this understanding that I'm poised to deeply engage in the High-Level Meeting on PPPR Financing. The anticipated adoption of a Political Declaration on PPPR, alongside declarations on TB and UHC, underscores the magnitude of our responsibility. My prior engagement on the Multistakeholder Panel for PPPR in April has honed my understanding of the pressing need to shift political pledges into actionable outcomes.
Central to this transformational journey is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) process. This mechanism is not merely a bureaucratic measure; it signifies a comprehensive and structured approach to global health crises. The INB's guiding principles—transparency, inclusiveness, efficiency, Member State leadership, and consensus—offer a blueprint for international cooperation. It is crucial for all nations to rally behind the potential Pandemic Treaty that is envisioned to emerge from this process. Such a treaty would institutionalize a permanent mechanism, fortifying our collective ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to pandemics. The INB’s work lays a solid foundation, ensuring that every voice is heard, every perspective is considered, and every effort is made in unison. The outcome—a Pandemic Treaty—will be a testament to global solidarity and shared commitment. It is not merely a legal instrument, but a beacon of hope and assurance for the world's future. The imperative now is for nations, organisations, and individuals to come together, endorsing and supporting this vital treaty, reaffirming our shared vision for a healthier, more resilient global community. Especially here, we must walk the talk.
Supporting action in country and to foster achieving our shared ambition of UHC and health for all, I will speak at an event on Thursday, hosted by the Government of Japan, addressing this important issue of financing and bringing private sector investment to the table.
With the sprint at the start of the week, getting me ready to race across town from the UN Headquarters to the Rockefeller Building for the Foreign Policy event on ‘ Diagnostics Beyond 2030’. I look forward to a rich dialogue to open the session with the Minsters of Health from Singapore, Egypt and Brazil. The rich tapestry of diagnostics, its synergy with UHC and overarching global health security, will be discussed in this session.
In this “concrete jungle”, we’re gathered not just to dream, but to chart out a reality—a world where investing in girls and women, in those most vulnerable in communities and financing global health move from the pages of strategy documents to the streets, homes, communities and lives.
At a time when we are seeing multiple challenges to status quo as well as the proliferation of poly crises, the Global South especially needs to be vigilant. It is noted that U.S. President Joe Biden is the only one among the few permanent members gracing the high-level summit. Whatever some might interpret those absences to mean, our narrative, especially in the Global South is ours to shape, and we will ardently seek allies, partners and stakeholders who truly resonate with ideals of equity, justice, and a world where every individual, not merely those in High Income Countries can look forward to a vibrant, healthy, secure future.
In other news, in a moment of spirited persuasion, my team has wrangled a promise from me: no more sprints on New York's streets after this week. The true race, after all, remains ahead!