Yoon Declares Himself 'International Health Solidarity Facilitator' at G20... Additional $300 Million Contribution to ACT-A

President Yoon: "International Solidarity Needed to Protect Freedom from Another Pandemic"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Bali, Indonesia = Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 15th (local time), President Yoon Suk-yeol declared that South Korea will fulfill its contributions and responsibilities to the international community as a 'facilitator' of the international health solidarity. In this regard, South Korea plans to do its best in international cooperation in the health sector, including an additional contribution of $300 million to the existing $200 million for the international cooperation program ACT-A (Access to COVID-19 Tools-Accelerator), which aims to accelerate access to COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

The presidential office reported that President Yoon made these remarks during Session 2, themed 'Health,' at the G20 Summit held in Bali, Indonesia, on the afternoon of the same day.

President Yoon first evaluated the outcomes of G20-level cooperation in response to COVID-19 and explained South Korea's past roles and future plans in international health solidarity to global leaders.

At the beginning of his speech, President Yoon mentioned the "preciousness of freedom and the importance of solidarity" at a time when strong health solidarity is helping to regain freedoms restricted by the pandemic. Regarding this, he emphasized, "Protecting the universal value of freedom for humanity from another pandemic depends on international solidarity," and added, "South Korea will contribute more actively to strengthening and spreading solidarity among citizens worldwide who share the value of freedom."

The government also introduced its plan to increase the official development assistance (ODA) budget by 14.2% next year, even while pursuing strong fiscal soundness to fulfill South Korea's role and responsibility as a global pivotal country. Through this expansion of Korea's ODA, President Yoon announced that South Korea will contribute a total of $500 million to ACT-A, adding $300 million to the existing $200 million budget for pandemic cooperation.

He also expressed the need for solidarity and cooperation not only to overcome COVID-19 but also to prevent the recurrence of another global pandemic crisis. President Yoon evaluated that the 'Pandemic Fund,' launched by the G20 to prevent and respond to pandemics, will greatly contribute to protecting humanity from potential pandemic risks. In particular, as a founding board member country of the 'Pandemic Fund,' South Korea promises to participate responsibly in future discussions and cooperation processes.

Especially, President Yoon emphasized, "South Korea is also contributing to the international community as a 'facilitator' of international health solidarity." Last month, the government co-hosted the 'World Bio Summit' with the World Health Organization (WHO), adopting the 'Seoul Declaration' to develop infectious disease response measures and ensure equitable access to them. Additionally, at the 'Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) Ministerial Meeting' to be held in Seoul from the 28th to 30th, support will be provided to continue international cooperation discussions to prepare for future emerging infectious diseases.

Finally, President Yoon reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to contribute $100 million to the 'Global Fund' for the prevention and response to the three major infectious diseases: AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and proposed expanding the focus from COVID-19 to other health sectors as well.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.