Video conference of the Alliance for Multilateralism
In a joint declaration, Germany and 22 other states have stressed the importance of global cooperation and international organisations in the fight against COVID-19. The pandemic, they say, is a "wake-up call for multilateralism".
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COVID-19 is a major challenge for every country in the world - the pandemic can only be mastered if we work together.
Photo: imago images/photothek/Manuel Lehmann
At a video conference of the Alliance for Multilateralism, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas and his counterparts from 22 countries from all parts of the world agreed on joint steps to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. In a subsequent declaration, they laid out common goals including the following:
- Support for the WHO: It is particularly important to uphold international structures in order to master the crisis. For this reason, the work of international organisations particularly the World Health Organization (WHO) must be protected and financially strengthened.
- Strengthening health systems: In countries with weak health systems it is particularly important to ensure the equitable distribution of protective equipment, tests, drugs and vaccines. To prepare better for future health crises, the Alliance for Multilateralism also aims to strengthen health systems worldwide.
- Access to free media: During the pandemic, the distribution of misinformation poses a special threat to people. Access to free media and transparent and truthful reporting on the spread of the virus is thus indispensable.
The full press conference given by Germany’s Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs can be found here. You will find additional information on the Alliance’s discussion here.