Duterte asks Apec: Guarantee universal access to the vaccine

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte emphasized the need for countries to ensure universal access to a COVID-19 vaccine and maintain free, open and fair trade to achieve a comprehensive and inclusive economic recovery from the pandemic.

Duterte made the call on Friday when he spoke at the 27th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting, which was held online and hosted by Malaysia.

The 21-member Apec endorsed Apec Putrajaya’s Vision 2040 which commits member economies to deepen regional economic integration, address income inequality within and between countries, and enhance economic cooperation to face the new globalization, driven by digitization. and innovation.

‘A DIFFICULT BALANCE TO DO’ President Duterte goes online in Malacañang to participate in the 27th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting on Friday. —PHOTO OF MALACAÑANG

Saving lives

In his speech to other state leaders, Duterte described COVID-19 as the defining challenge of the generation, with unprecedented scope and ramifications.

He noted that most countries immediately focused on saving lives, even if that meant stopping economies.

This was the right thing to do from the start, as it saved lives and contained the virus, he said.

But this was not sustainable and economies must reopen while protecting people and helping them adjust to the “new normal,” Duterte said.

“This is a difficult balance to strike. Herein lies the complexity and enormity of the recovery process, ”he said.

World leaders must work even more closely to make their recovery from the pandemic complete, Duterte said.

“Our goal is a comprehensive recovery with no one left behind. This can only be achieved through a deeper engagement with the international community, especially with close partners in the Pacific Rim region, ”he said.

‘Unhindered flow’

One of the areas [we] We can work together to ensure the unhindered flow of medical supplies and technologies, especially COVID-19 vaccines that everyone should have access to, Duterte said.

This could be achieved through bilateral and multilateral cooperation and tripartite agreements between the government, the private sector and multilateral financial institutions, he said.

“There is no other way. Let us resolve to act decisively on universal access to vaccines and maximize these mechanisms,” he said.

Duterte added: “It is crazy to assume that there may be pockets of safe havens in the face of a global pandemic.”

“We have to beat the virus everywhere, or no one will be safe. To do this, we need to strengthen partnerships to make vaccines a global public good, ”he said.

Duterte also said that countries should share best practices and welcomed Malaysia’s initiative to establish the COVID-Live online portal.

Apec must also ensure that trade is free, open and fair, Duterte said.

“This is key to achieving a sustained and inclusive economic recovery,” he said.

‘Collective efforts’

The new reality is “sobering,” Duterte said, but added: “If anything, we must recommit to bolder and more concrete ways to ensure the economic well-being and vitality of our region.”

He said that Apec Putrajaya’s Vision 2040 recognizes the urgent challenges of today and anticipates those of the future.

“Through this Vision, we reaffirm our support for a free and rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at the forefront,” he said.

“Indeed, Apec Putrajaya’s Vision 2040 gives us renewed confidence in our collective efforts and the ability to rebuild better, healthier, and more prosperous societies,” Duterte said.

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