Joint Nordic Statement at UNGASS on Covid-19

I would like to make a few remarks on behalf of the five Nordic countries; Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

The Nordic countries are committed to fair global access to COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. We must all support the development, procurement and distribution through the ACT Accelerator. As longstanding and active champions of international cooperation, we emphasize the role of multilateralism in achieving this goal and acknowledge the role of WHO as the leading global health body.

In doing this, we must make sure to reach populations in vulnerable situations, including those in least developed countries, fragile settings and humanitarian situations. It is in everybody’s best interest to leave no one behind.

We congratulate COVAX for reaching its funding goal for 2020 but recognize that the funding needs will be even greater in 2021. We must work together to meet that need – while not neglecting other pressing priorities.

Making vaccines available is the first step. Immunization requires functional and sustainable health systems. Together with our UN partners and other stakeholders we will continue to support the strengthening of health systems critical to containing this pandemic – and future ones. Furthermore, through stronger community engagement and by countering disinformation, public trust in vaccines could be fostered. We welcome the active steps taken by COVAX partners in this regard.

Our question to the panel is:

• Beyond the global distribution of vaccine doses, all countries must prepare to carry out immunization campaigns. What do you see as the main challenges here, and what role does the multilateral system have in supporting vaccine readiness?

Alternatively:

• What are your views on the most critical challenges, including the needs in humanitarian settings, for equitable access in 2021 and how to best prepare for them?
• How can we ensure transparency and minimise the risk of corruption and fraud when rolling out the largest immunization campaign in the history of vaccines?
• What lessons can we draw from the development of COVID-19 vaccines for future health threats?