Common Challenges
Ghebreyesus reminded that military spending in 2025 will reach a staggering $2.7 trillion, which is more than 30 times the amount needed to eliminate hunger by 2030.He also emphasized the need to be prepared for attacks from the "invisible enemy," referring to pandemics such as COVID-19, which is estimated to have "claimed the lives of 20 million people – more than any modern wars – and caused damage to the global economy amounting to over $10 trillion."
Despite the critical consequences of pandemics, states continue to spend significantly more on military needs than on protecting public health.
"As the events of COVID-19 show, in a globalized world, health security becomes a matter of national security," noted Ghebreyesus.
Viruses do not require visas; pathogens do not know borders. Misinformation spreads faster than diplomacy.
A Platform for Cooperation
The WHO chief emphasized that health should be the foundation for international interaction."In a world divided into parts, healthcare is one of the few areas where countries can and must work together, overcoming ideological barriers to find common solutions to common threats," he stated.
He also noted that WHO member states continue efforts to improve global readiness for future pandemics and reminded of the agreement adopted last year, which, after ratification, will become an important international tool for enhancing health security.
According to Ghebreyesus, countries participate in this process not out of charity, but because cooperation in epidemiological surveillance, early warning, and access to medical resources serves their own interests.
The essence of multilateral cooperation is not to eliminate differences, but to manage common risks.
Financial Difficulties
Ghebreyesus also noted that the system of international cooperation today faces serious difficulties. According to him, WHO is going through a challenging period of reform and redirection due to the cessation of financial support from its largest donor."I am confident that WHO will emerge from this situation stronger, with a clear focus on its core mandate, more independent, and able to serve the peoples and states of the world," he added.
Ultimately, we are one humanity living on one planet, sharing the same DNA and facing the same threats.Ghebreyesus emphasized that a crucial condition for successfully responding to future crises is the restoration of trust between states and international institutions.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: © WHO/P. Albouy (archival photo).
