Monaco participates in resumed 73rd World Health Assembly, held virtually by the World Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO)’s 73^rd World Health Assembly resumed its work via videoconference from 9 to 14 November 2020, to finish reviewing the agenda that had been planned in February.

The Monegasque delegation was led by H.E. Ms Carole Lanteri, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Monaco to the Office of the United Nations in Geneva. Despite being a virtual event, the Assembly was attended by several hundred delegates, including the 194 WHO member states, observers and partner organisations.

The agenda for the Assembly provided an opportunity to address numerous health issues, as well as preparedness, management and response in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Assembly provided an update on progress made on treatments and research into potential future vaccines to combat COVID-19, some of which are in the clinical trial phase and showing promising results.

The Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution drafted in February 2020 and co-sponsored by Monaco, entitled Strengthening preparedness for health emergencies: implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005). This resolution focuses on the need for member states to prepare for emergency situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and on the measures to be taken by WHO in such situations.

Health workers were singled out for honour and celebration during the opening ceremony of the resumed Assembly, which also led to the adoption of a decision designating 2021 as the International Year of Health and Care Workers.

The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of WHO, and is responsible for setting the organisation’s policy and approving its budgets. WHO is a key multilateral partner of the Prince’s Government on issues of international cooperation.