UN, WHO leaders send messages on Int’l Day of Epidemic Preparedness
On the occasion of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (December 27), designated by the United Nations (UN) following Vietnam’s initiative, UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a message calling on all countries to stand with the largest global organisation’s efforts to ensure the world is equipped and ready to take on the health challenges to come.
UN Secretary-General António Guterre (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – On the occasion of the International Day of EpidemicPreparedness (December 27), designated by the United Nations (UN) followingVietnam’s initiative, UN Secretary-General António Guterres sent a message callingon all countries to stand with the largest global organisation’s efforts toensure the world is equipped and ready to take on the health challenges to come.
Recalling heavy impacts of the pandemic on various aspects, the official stressed that the COVID-19 will not be the last epidemic orpandemic humanity faces, so the international community must “heed the harshlessons of COVID-19 and make bold investments in pandemic preparedness,prevention and response”.
“We need better surveillance to detect and monitor viruseswith epidemic potential. We need more resilient health systems supported byuniversal health coverage. And we need a health workforce that is well-trained,well-equipped and well-paid,” Guterres said.
“We also need equitable access to vaccines, treatments,diagnostics and life-saving technology for all countries,” he added.
Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) TedrosAdhanom Ghebreyesus sent a video message to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, inwhich he thanked Vietnam for taking the lead in proposing the establishment of theInternational Day for Disease Prevention and Control, and appreciated thecountry's commitments, efforts, leading role and cooperation for a healthierand safer world.
Congratulating the Vietnamese Government and people for successfully controlling the pandemic, the WHO leader called on countries totake necessary measures to prepare, detect and respond quickly to future epidemicsand pandemics. He affirmed that in the coming years, his organisation willgive priority to supporting countries to improve their health capacity at thenational and local levels.
The UN General Assembly approved Vietnam’s initiative with aresolution proclaiming December 27 as the International Day of EpidemicPreparedness during its 75th session on December 7, 2020. Theresolution was also co-sponsored by 112 nations./.
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, and his counterparts of South Africa, Sweden, and New Zealand have co-chaired a consultation on a UN General Assembly (UNGA) draft resolution on the epidemic preparedness and response.
Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan received Regional Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the Western Pacific Takeshi Kasai in Hanoi on July 15.
Vietnam is playing an important role in the global efforts in response to climate change, affirmed Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action and Just Transition Selwin Hart.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
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The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
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Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
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Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
UN Secretary-General António Guterre (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) 
