President Moon: "After COVID-19 Vaccine Development, 'Equitable Access' Must Be Guaranteed for Poor Countries"

75th UN General Assembly Keynote Speech
"Pre-purchase Vaccines through International Fundraising
and Ensure Benefits for Poor and Developing Countries"

President Moon Jae-in delivered a keynote speech via video at the 75th United Nations General Assembly held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the morning of the 23rd (Korean time).

President Moon Jae-in said on the morning of the 23rd (Korean time), "Not only international cooperation for the development of vaccines and treatments for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) but also ensuring equitable access to these vaccines after development for all countries is essential."

In his keynote speech at the 75th United Nations General Assembly general debate held at the UN Headquarters in New York, USA, President Moon stated, "International organizations should pre-purchase sufficient quantities of vaccines through international fundraising so that impoverished and developing countries can also benefit."

In this speech themed "International Cooperation with Enhanced Inclusiveness," President Moon explained, "International cooperation with enhanced inclusiveness means 'leaving no one behind' and enjoying freedom and prosperity together."

He added, "Domestically, it means resolving inequality to ensure my safety and sustainable development together with neighbors, and internationally, it means cooperating by considering the circumstances and conditions of neighboring countries for common prosperity." He also said, "The UN's 'inclusive multilateralism' will clearly face its first test in whether vaccines can be distributed to all countries."

In this process, President Moon pledged that Korea will serve as a bridge connecting developed and developing countries.

President Moon said, "Korea is actively participating in the global vaccine supply mechanisms of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance," and added, "As the country hosting the headquarters of the International Vaccine Institute, Korea will actively cooperate in the development and distribution of affordable vaccines for developing countries."

Furthermore, he added, "Given the ongoing concerns about the second and third waves of COVID-19, Korea will actively share its K-quarantine experience with the international community and continue to work together."