Japan's Suga: "COVID-19 Reminds Us of the Need for Solidarity... Will Cooperate in WHO Reform"

Remarks in Video Speech at the UN General Assembly COVID-19 Special Meeting on the 3rd

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga
[Photo by Reuters]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga stated that the crisis caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) must be overcome and expressed his commitment to actively cooperate in reforming the World Health Organization (WHO).

According to NHK and other broadcasts, Prime Minister Suga, in a video speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly's special meeting on COVID-19 held on the 3rd (local time), said, "The spread of COVID-19 has once again reminded the international community of the need for solidarity," adding, "We must realize a united world, not a divided one."

Prime Minister Suga evaluated that "especially the UN is a platform where all stakeholders participate constructively and cooperate with transparency." He then emphasized that the WHO, which was criticized in the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis, "will cooperate in verification and reform so that it can contribute to overcoming the current crisis and preparing for future crises."

Prime Minister Suga also reiterated his determination to devote all efforts to the safe hosting of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, postponed to next year. He said he holds the determination to host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games "as proof that humanity has overcome the virus" and will do his utmost to realize a safe event.

Furthermore, he expressed his commitment to focusing on digitalization and creating a decarbonized society to enable sustainable economic growth.