viet nam dieu phoi tien trinh to chuc hoi nghi cap cao cua lien hop quoc ve san sang ung pho va phong chong dich benh 20250128090122.webp
The scene of the meeting. Photo: VNA

Vietnam and Italy have been appointed as co-coordinators to prepare for the 2026 United Nations High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Preparedness, Response, and Prevention.

This marks the first time Vietnam has been assigned the significant role of co-coordinating the preparations for a major UN conference.

On January 27 (New York time), Philemon Yang, President of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, officially appointed Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam’s Ambassador and Head of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and Maurizio Massari, Italy’s Ambassador and Head of the Permanent Mission to the United Nations, as co-coordinators for the event.

Strengthening global health commitments

The President of the General Assembly expressed his gratitude to the two ambassadors for accepting this important responsibility.

He also expressed confidence in their ability to effectively collaborate with UN member states to ensure the success of the 2026 High-Level Meeting.

The conference aims to achieve consensus on pandemic preparedness and response and to advance the implementation of international commitments on global health, including the Declaration for Future Generations.

This historic appointment highlights Vietnam’s growing reputation and its active contributions to global efforts at the United Nations, particularly in addressing pressing international issues such as public health and pandemic prevention.

Vietnam’s leadership in global health initiatives

Over the years, Vietnam has played a leading role in efforts to strengthen global health systems and improve pandemic preparedness.

Notably, Vietnam initiated the establishment of International Day for Epidemic Preparedness, observed annually on December 27.

The country also spearheaded the organization of the first-ever United Nations High-Level Meeting on pandemic preparedness in 2023, which underscored its commitment to international cooperation in addressing global health challenges.

This new co-coordinator role further reinforces Vietnam’s position as a proactive and reliable partner in the international community.

Tran Thuong