THD NewsDesk, Brussels: COVID-19 is an unparalleled threat to the world economy. The grave disruption in the world took place due to the outbreak of this pandemic. On the 7th of August, Monday, The Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) called out for a collaborative international meeting. They asked for transparent and accurate information for fighting the life-threatening disease.
ASEM was established as a dialogue forum in 1996. It bridged the gap between Asia and Europe. The ASEM consists of 53 partners out of whom 51 members are countries and 2 regional organizations (ASEAN Secretariat and European Commission). India represents 62.3 percent of the world’s population. It represents 57.2 percent of the global GDP.
ASEM stated that transparency, up-to-date, and authentic information is the solution to the pandemic. It emphasized on sharing knowledge about global health jeopardies and health strategies related to COVID-19.ASEM jointly said, “We, the Foreign Ministers of the Host of the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit and the ASEM Regional Coordinators, in consultation with ASEM partners, express deep concern over the Covid-19 pandemic, which is an unparalleled global health crisis that has caused grave disruptions to the global economy, trade, and travel, led to unprecedented job losses as well as impacted heavily on the lives of people.”
The released statement said, “We reaffirm our commitment to working together and sharing experiences, best practices, and information in a free, responsible, transparent and timely manner to decisively and effectively control the spread of the pandemic.”
The novel coronavirus had killed nine lakh people and has infected 27 million people worldwide. The virus does not discriminate between ethnicities, nationalities, and borders. It becomes the elemental responsibility of respective governments to affirm and achieve provisional solutions to COVID 19.
Pandemic requires a worldwide alliance to incite the advancement and distribution of vaccines. For “global public good for health” diagnostics and treatments will be broadcasted. ASEM allies to administer national actions to implement measures across governmental sectors against COVID-19.
The government should take extensive responsibility in response to the pandemic and “should protect and not undermine human rights.” ASEM further added, “We must not allow stigmatization and discrimination, or for the pandemic to worsen existing inequality. Those in vulnerable situations must be protected, including tackling violence against women and children.”
The member states are dedicated to operating in a free and non-prejudiced ambiance. They contribute to a transparent and fair playing field for mutual benefits in trade and investments.
The statement said, “We will continue to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential goods and services across borders, as well as their appropriate global distribution.”
It further said, “As we look forward to the post-pandemic phase, we commit to continue working together to accelerate post-Covid-19 sustainable socio-economic recovery, stimulate economic development and financial resilience, and minimize the potential of global economic recession by restoring growth, investments, sustainable connectivity, business travel and tourism, and maintaining market stability.”
It also added, “We commit to continue striving together for a sustainable inclusive post-COVID-19 recovery.“
The initiation of international collaborations of ASEM can prove to be a big step towards advancing the global public health in the post-COVID era. The announcement was welcomed by several global economic and health forums.
