Geingob calls for united Covid action
President Hage Geingob has called on lenders such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to roll out funding to countries at an accelerated pace.
STAFF REPORTER
WINDHOEK
President Hage Geingob says a united global approach will help in the fight to stave off the mounting effects of the coronavirus, which has claimed nearly one million lives to date across the world.
Addressing world leaders at the United Nations' 75th General Assembly, Geingob said the effects of the disease had been far-reaching.
“As we face the Covid-19 pandemic and its devastating effects, we should reaffirm our collective commitment to cooperate in a world governed by international law and a multilateral system in which no one should feel left out,” he said.
Geingob noted that while not perfect, multilateralism was effective in fighting the pandemic.
“While not perfect, multilateralism and rules-based order are essential tools in strengthening governance, protecting civil liberties and the fundamental rights of the people we serve in our respective countries.
“An effective, rules-based multilateral system is our insurance policy against existential threats such as wars, nuclear proliferation, pandemics and climate change. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that we continue to defend multilateralism at all costs,” he added.
Accelerate funding
Geingob said the pandemic wreaked havoc on economies and health systems across the world.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has plunged the world into an acute health and economic crisis, the severity of which has not been seen in a century. It has disproportionately affected some countries more than others, exposing and exacerbating vulnerabilities and inequalities within and among countries,” he said.
Geingob called on lenders such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to roll out funding to countries at an accelerated pace.
“While we also acknowledge the debt relief initiatives announced by the IMF, the World Bank and the G20, I encourage all our partners to facilitate their emergency lending mechanisms and accelerate technical support to even so-called higher middle-income countries such as Namibia,” he said.
This is vital to ensure access to social protection and basic services, sustainable economic activity and protection of jobs and incomes, he added.
Race for a vaccine
Geingob commended the World Health Organisation for its approach to fighting Covid-19.
According to him, Namibia is ready to join in the fight for a global vaccine.
“A vaccine, once developed, should become a global public good, accessible to all, freely and equitably. Namibia stands ready to partner in such development for the benefit of our citizens and the world at large,” he said.
Security Council
Geingob made another call for greater representation by African countries on the UN's Security Council.
The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 members, and each member has one vote. Under the Charter of the United Nations, all member states are obligated to comply with council decisions.
“When I addressed this august assembly one year ago, as a member of the African Union Committee of 10 on the reform of the United Nations Security Council, I expressed my desire to see the marking of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations as an opportunity to conclude the reform of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
WINDHOEK
President Hage Geingob says a united global approach will help in the fight to stave off the mounting effects of the coronavirus, which has claimed nearly one million lives to date across the world.
Addressing world leaders at the United Nations' 75th General Assembly, Geingob said the effects of the disease had been far-reaching.
“As we face the Covid-19 pandemic and its devastating effects, we should reaffirm our collective commitment to cooperate in a world governed by international law and a multilateral system in which no one should feel left out,” he said.
Geingob noted that while not perfect, multilateralism was effective in fighting the pandemic.
“While not perfect, multilateralism and rules-based order are essential tools in strengthening governance, protecting civil liberties and the fundamental rights of the people we serve in our respective countries.
“An effective, rules-based multilateral system is our insurance policy against existential threats such as wars, nuclear proliferation, pandemics and climate change. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that we continue to defend multilateralism at all costs,” he added.
Accelerate funding
Geingob said the pandemic wreaked havoc on economies and health systems across the world.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has plunged the world into an acute health and economic crisis, the severity of which has not been seen in a century. It has disproportionately affected some countries more than others, exposing and exacerbating vulnerabilities and inequalities within and among countries,” he said.
Geingob called on lenders such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to roll out funding to countries at an accelerated pace.
“While we also acknowledge the debt relief initiatives announced by the IMF, the World Bank and the G20, I encourage all our partners to facilitate their emergency lending mechanisms and accelerate technical support to even so-called higher middle-income countries such as Namibia,” he said.
This is vital to ensure access to social protection and basic services, sustainable economic activity and protection of jobs and incomes, he added.
Race for a vaccine
Geingob commended the World Health Organisation for its approach to fighting Covid-19.
According to him, Namibia is ready to join in the fight for a global vaccine.
“A vaccine, once developed, should become a global public good, accessible to all, freely and equitably. Namibia stands ready to partner in such development for the benefit of our citizens and the world at large,” he said.
Security Council
Geingob made another call for greater representation by African countries on the UN's Security Council.
The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 members, and each member has one vote. Under the Charter of the United Nations, all member states are obligated to comply with council decisions.
“When I addressed this august assembly one year ago, as a member of the African Union Committee of 10 on the reform of the United Nations Security Council, I expressed my desire to see the marking of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations as an opportunity to conclude the reform of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
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