Observer Report New York
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how all countries are connected, underscoring that global cooperation and solidarity are the only way out of the crisis.
Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative at the UN and president of UN Economic and Social Council, said during the annual Partnership Forum, organised by ECOSOC.
“If ever there was a need for partnership, it is now,” Akram said in his opening remarks to the virtual gathering.
Highlighting the UN’s unique role in bringing together countries, companies and civil society, he outlined several areas where partnerships can be used to respond to Covid-19 and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Akram said defeating the pandemic is the top priority, which calls for universal and equitable access to vaccines and related materials, equipment and technologies.
Countries also must work together to prevent millions from descending into extreme poverty and destitution.
“This means helping the poorest people with direct and indirect economic support and social safety nets”, Mr. Akram said. “It means providing the poorest countries with fiscal space through debt relief, emergency grants and concession financing to save lives and livelihoods.”
