WHO - World Health Organization

11/23/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/23/2021 11:13

WHO Director-General's opening remarks at the meeting with the Speaker and delegation from the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea - 23 November 2021

Honourable Park Byeong-seug,

Esteemed members of the National Assembly,

Your Excellency Lee Tae-ho,

It's an honour to welcome you to WHO.

I'd like to thank my friend, the Ambassador, for organizing this visit.

The Republic of Korea is a strong partner for WHO. We very much appreciate the technical and financial support provided, including by KOICA and the innovative Global Disease Eradication Fund, which has a huge impact in the lives of people all around the world, especially in Africa.

We also commend the Republic of Korea for its leadership in global health, and for your country's exemplary response to COVID-19, drawing upon your previous experience with MERS and the strengthened public health systems you put in place.

We commend your efforts in vaccinating almost 80% of your population, and for your leading role in the equitable distribution of vaccines in the region through COVAX.

However, we are concerned over the recent increase in cases and deaths in your country.

This is another reminder that vaccines alone will not end the pandemic. We encourage all countries to persist with a comprehensive approach, including the consistent and tailored use of effective public health measures.

And even as we respond to this pandemic, we must learn the lessons it is teaching us, and take steps to prepare for the next one.

As you know, next week we are holding a Special Session of the World Health Assembly, to discuss the potential for a legally binding international agreement on pandemic preparedness and response.

We appreciate the Republic of Korea's support for this idea, including President Moon's personal support by co-signing the editorial with 27 other heads of state, heads of government and parliamentary leaders in March.

A legally binding instrument would build on the 2005 International Health Regulations, which were negotiated under the leadership of one of my predecessors, Dr Lee Jong-wook.

Thank you once again, your Excellency, for your continuous support and your visit today, and I hope we will have a very constructive discussion.