Tedros was speaking at a 30 August "Dialogue on COVID-19 and Consequences for Global Multilateral Cooperation" hosted in Geneva by The Foundation Dialogue for Peace and moderated by Norway's former prime minister, Kjell Magne Bondevik. Along with the World Council of Churches (WCC), representatives from the Muslim World League, World Health Organization and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies shared experiences with ministers, ambassadors, politicians, peace associations and others. "We all have a role to play -- governments, international organizations, foundations, the private sector, civil society organizations, and faith-based organizations...Engaging and empowering communities is essential in every area, but especially in outbreak response," said Tedros. He added that the global pandemic has shown how inadequate community engagement can lead to fear, mistrust, and weaker political and social relations. He said, "Faith communities have played a particularly important role for many people in the funding, trust, the sources of support, comfort, guidance, and information with the support of the COVID-19 solidarity response fund." Keep communities healthy "Ultimately, the best way is to keep communities healthy and safe, engaged, informed and empowered by leaders and institutions they trust to protect themselves, and faith-based organizations are the most trusted," said Tedros. WHO was seeking support for local vaccination targets, getting at least 10 percent of the population of every country jabbed by the end of September and at least 40 percent by the end of the year. The goal is also for the vaccination of 70 percent of the world's population by the middle of next year. In addition, WHO was seeking support for developing and adopting an international treaty or other legal instruments for preparedness and response to future pandemics. Aamir Javed Sheikh, head of the Norway-based Foundation Dialogue for Peace, said that, given the pandemic and the desperate situation in Afghanistan, such a meeting "in Geneva, the capital of peace," is needed so "we can become their hope." He cited the tragedy of women and children in Afghanistan facing decades of setback due to the takeover of the Taliban. Another keynote speaker was Dr Muhammad Bin Abulkarim Al-Issa, secretary general of the Mecca-based Muslim World League, who urged cooperation between different religions and communities. ‘Shared fate’ In his keynote speech, WCC acting general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca, reflected on "our shared vulnerability—and shared fate—as one humanity" in dealing with the pandemic. |
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