Andina

Peru: President calls for equitable, transparent access to COVID-19 vaccines

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

14:45 | Lima, Apr. 21.

The President of the Republic Francisco Sagasti on Wednesday emphasized during the XXVII Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government the need for all nations to have equitable and timely access to COVID-19 vaccines and other health technologies —as global public goods.

The top official highlighted the importance of multilateralism in the fight against coronavirus, so that global response to this health crisis is collective, supportive, and transparent.

In this regard, the statesman appreciated the support for the Special Communiqué that includes the Peruvian proposal to establish multilateral mechanisms, which share the risks derived from the acquisition or administration of vaccines against the pandemic in financial or insurance operations, supported by financial organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank or other specialized organizations.

Likewise, Mr. Sagasti emphasized promoting Ibero-American cooperation, South-South and triangular cooperation, as instruments with great potential to complement national efforts with a view to overcoming critical deficiencies in fields such as science, technology, and innovation.

Furthermore, he advocated for strengthening the Ibero-American Cultural Space —the largest heritage shared by the participating countries— as well as the development of cultural industries, also severely affected by the pandemic.

In his speech, he recalled Peru's adherence to the programs for the creation of the Ibero-American Institute of Indigenous Languages, for preventing and eliminating violence against women, and boosting the interest in the nation joining the Framework Convention for Circulation of Talent in Ibero-America and the Program against Chagas Disease. Both of them are promoted by the Ibero-American General Secretariat.

The XXVII Ibero-American Summit ended with the approval of a declaration on the subject of the call, the Andorran Commitment on Innovation for Sustainable Development, and 16 special communications that deal with Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery, Environment, Health, Cooperation against Organized Transnational Crime, and Sustainable Energy, among others.

(END) NDP/FHG/VVS/MVB

Published: 4/21/2021