The UN General Assembly during its plenary session on December 7 gave approval to the consensus of Resolution A/RES/75/27 to observe International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on December 27 each year.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to
the United Nations addresses a meeting of the UN General Assembly
(Photo: VNA)

This marks the first resolution of the UN General Assembly in this regard, along with being the first resolution proposed, negotiated, and successfully adopted by the nation at the UN General Assembly.

Amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic causing loss of life and an unprecedented impact on all aspects of the economic and social life globally, the proposal put forward by the country has received universal support from UN members.

Canada, Niger, Senegal, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, and Spain have all co-authored the proposal with the nation, whilst 107 other nations in all regions worldwide have come together to co-sponsor the resolution.

The plan calls on all UN member states, institutions operating within the UN system, international and other regional organisations, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, research institutes, individuals, and other stakeholders, to celebrate the annual International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. The primary reason behind this cause is to raise awareness regarding disease prevention in order to ensure preparedness and co-ordination on this issue across all levels.

Upon delivering a statement introducing the draft resolution on International Day of Epidemic Preparedness at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, permanent representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, highlighted the significance and necessity of the move. Following the establishment of International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, the Vietnamese diplomat thanked various UN member states for their support on this initiative.

“Throughout the negotiation process of this resolution, we have sought to listen to the priorities of our fellow member states and to reflect these in the text. We are very pleased that the text successfully passed the silence procedure and now is ready for your consideration.

Taking this opportunity, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to all delegations for their participation in the negotiation. I would also like to thank the delegations, who have joined the co-sponsorship on this resolution. We hope all member states will continue to kindly support the draft resolution by adopting it by consensus.” Ambassador Quy said.

In line with the resolution, December 27th was chosen as International Day of Epidemic Preparedness as it represents the birthday of Dr. Louis Pasteur, one of the first people to lay the foundations for preventive medicine. His work on the disease and on the production of vaccines has greatly contributed to saving generations across the globe.