Global Issues & ODA

1. At the outset, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Thomas Greenfield, on behalf of Secretary of State Blinken who was unable to attend at short notice, introduced the results of efforts made through the GAP, such as increasing vaccination coverage in low- and middle-income countries, and stated that the U.S. government would make concrete efforts, especially in strengthening the testing and treatment systems for infectious diseases, including COVID-19, improving access to medical oxygen, and strengthening the supply chain for medical supplies.
2. In his remarks, Minister Hayashi pointed out that COVID-19 is not over, and although the vaccination rate has been increasing worldwide, we still have a lot of work to do. He introduced Japan’s assistance on supporting coordination between COVID-19 vaccination and routine immunization, and on providing technical trainings to health workers as one of the ways to further promote vaccination. Moreover, Minister Hayashi emphasized Japan’s intention to actively lead discussions on strengthening global health security architecture leading up to the G7 Hiroshima Summit next year, towards the overall goal of achieving universal health coverage (UHC).
3. Participants in the meeting included U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (on behalf of U.S. Secretary of State) and foreign ministers of Japan, Spain, Botswana, Bangladesh, and other countries, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations including WHO, the European Union, and the African Union. Through ministerial remarks and discussions, the participants actively exchanged views to strengthen multilateral efforts.

[Reference 1] Statement by Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa (PDF)

[Reference 2] Chair’s Statement