Dear Foreign Secretary Truss,
Dear Members of the CEPI [The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations],
Distinguished Guests,
It is a pleasure and honor to participate in today’s Summit. This Conference brings together a unique mix. Politicians, science, academics, industry and, of course, the civil society.
We discuss a topic that has affected our everyday lives in an unprecedented extent, due to the COVID-19 pandemic: The rapid development of vaccines and their fair and equitable distribution.
The past period has transformed our lives. The need for a coordinated global response is more evident than ever. The production and fair distribution of vaccines it is –and should be- our main goal.
Greece has done her utmost to contribute to this collective effort through the donation of more than 7 million doses either bilaterally or though COVAX. We have also contributed 3 million euros to enhance COVAX activities.
This a tangible proof of Greece’s solidarity. It is also a means to build bridges and generate conditions for peoples to come closer.
Recently, I travelled to Senegal where I visited the Pasteur Institute of Dakar. I was briefed about the potential vaccines’ production in this African country, in the context of established cooperation with the relevant Pasteur Institute in Greece.
These are encouraging indications. These are indications that we move in the right direction, but we need to do more to prepare ourselves for the future.
Let me highlight the crucial role CEPI is playing in responding to the pandemic. Greece is proud to have contributed to the Coalition’s goals a donation of 1.5 million euros. We support the Coalition’s 5-year plan to accelerate the development of vaccines, as well as enable fair and equitable access to them.
The prevention of future pandemics should be our top priority.
We cannot allow the loss of more human lives.
The world cannot experience again fear and uncertainty.
Thank you.