At the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, world leaders and dignitaries convene to deliberate a healthier future for all nations.
According to the official United Nations website, around 4.5 billion people globally, more than half of the world’s population, lack adequate basic health services. This pressing concern is set to be the focal point of high-level meetings among world leaders and ministers this week.
The UN site further highlights that without proper health provisions, the world struggles immensely in its pursuit of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their 17 targets. The ongoing 78th General Assembly aims to address and bring transformative change to this situation.
One of the Assembly’s pivotal points of interest is the formulation of a new global strategic agenda geared towards preventing, preparing for, and responding to future pandemics. This follows the harsh lessons drawn from the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. International treaties are also being crafted to address and strengthen global efforts against the tuberculosis pandemic.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, commented on the situation, stating, “We live in a world filled with competing priorities. However, it’s imperative to maintain world leaders’ focus on health as the cornerstone for sustainable development.”
The United Nations General Assembly, held annually in New York, is a platform where member states come together to discuss and coordinate on international issues, including global health concerns. Over the years, the focus on health has intensified, especially in light of recent global pandemics.
Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provide a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet by 2030. Health and well-being, as outlined in SDG 3, aim to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
