President Parmelin represents Switzerland at G20 Global Health Summit
Bern, 21.05.2021 - President Guy Parmelin represented Switzerland at the Global Health Summit on 21 May, which was organised by the European Commission and Italy, which currently holds the presidency of the G20. Due to the pandemic, the event took place as a video conference. Among the topics discussed were the lessons to be learned from the COVID-19 crisis, and how the world community can improve global health protection through solidarity and cooperation.
The Rome Declaration was endorsed at the summit. The document lays down principles for strengthening cooperation on health protection and preventing possible future health crises. The participating countries stressed the need for action and stressed the importance of worldwide access to vaccines and other medical products in the fight against the pandemic. The central role of international organisations, especially the World Health Organization (WHO), was also emphasised. Issues of financing and governance were also raised, as well as the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
President Parmelin emphasised the enormous progress made in combating the pandemic. However, he said that the new virus variants continue to pose a major threat and the majority of the socio-economic consequences of the crisis still lie ahead. "The pandemic will not be over until all countries have overcome it," said Mr Parmelin. "Since the beginning of the crisis, Switzerland has been committed to finding global solutions for rapid, affordable and equitable access to COVID-19 remedies."
By way of example, he cited the Federal Council's decision of 28 April to put CHF 300 million towards the ‘Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator’ initiative. Parliament will debate a corresponding supplementary credit in the summer session. This initiative aims to improve access to vaccinations, tests and medicines in developing countries and to strengthen their health systems.
In relation to this, Mr Parmelin emphasised the importance of an open trading system. In this context, Switzerland supports the WTO’s ‘Trade and Health’ initiative, which aims to facilitate trade in medical goods in times of crisis.
The issues raised will be discussed at health minister level at the 74th World Health Assembly, which will take place next week.
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