Special Session on COVID-19: some initial thoughts on the general debate

While I am sure that some of you watched, or listened to, the whole of the opening session and general debate of the UN General Assembly Special Session on the COVID-19 pandemic yesterday, I do have to confess that I only followed the first 8½ hours. A number of common themes emerged in the statements that were made, which showed a great deal of solidarity among Member States in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and thanks were expressed to the Non-Aligned Movement under the leadership of Azerbaijan in calling for the Special Session. 

There was general agreement that the coronavirus is first and foremost a health crisis but it is also an economic, development, humanitarian and human rights crisis. 

Countries paid tribute to and supported the work of WHO in combatting the pandemic, as well as the ACT-Accelerator and COVAX. The vaccine should be a “global public good” available to everyone on an equitable basis, together with diagnostics and treatments. At the same time a vaccine cannot undo the economic damage caused by the pandemic.

Some countries focused on groups that have been most adversely affected including women, children and older people. The impact of lockdown measures leading to increased gender-based violence and domestic abuse was also highlighted, together with sexual and reproductive health and rights.

For many developing countries, with both large and small economies, including the least-developed countries (LDCs) and small-island developing states (SIDS) concern was expressed about difficulties in facing the financial burden of a further wave of COVID-19 and the need for future development assistance and addressing issues related to debt burden and international financing. 

There was a call for preparedness for the next pandemic, alongside the need to make societies more equitable and resilient. The role of civil society in combatting was recognized, as was their involvement in building back better. Also in this context digitalization was also referred to on several occasions.

Many countries spoke in support of the Secretary-General’s call for a global ceasefire.

Within a human rights framework, the 2030 Agenda was seen as important in moving forward and that the recovery will have the potential to jump start the SDGs. Greater efforts should be made for universal health coverage, global food security, gender equality and women’s empowerment.