Ukraine co-sponsors new UN resolution to counter COVID-19

"Ukraine was the first to co-sponsor a draft resolution of UN General Assembly initiated by Mexico to strengthen international cooperation to ensure global access to the medicines, vaccines and medical equipment needed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic," Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya said in an exclusive commentary to Ukrinform.

The diplomat noted that the Ukrainian side had already called on other UN member states to support the document.

According to the Permanent Representative of Ukraine, the new draft resolution, in particular, encourages the UN member states to increase funding for vaccine and drug development, use of digital technologies, increased international scientific cooperation and coordination in the fight against COVID-19. In addition, the document calls on every country to prevent speculation and unjustified accumulation that could impede access to effective medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment.

The initiative also encourages the UN Secretary-General, WHO and other UN agencies to seek to make COVID-19 preventive instruments, laboratory testing, reagents, diagnostics, medicines and future vaccines available to all, especially in the developing countries.

"The time has come when we should demonstrate unity, solidarity and multilateral cooperation in order to counteract the global pandemic," Kyslytsya underscored.

Last week, Ukraine co-sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution on global solidarity in the fight against COVID-19. The document, in particular, emphasizes the need for the observance of all human rights, the avoidance of discrimination and xenophobia, calls on the international community to share information and achievements on combating the spread of coronavirus in the world.

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