76th World Health Assembly UNDP Statement

May 25, 2023

UNDP intervention at General Discussion of the 76th World Health Assembly

Dear Chair, excellencies, and distinguished delegates, 

This year, we mark the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization working to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the most vulnerable.

UNDP is proud to partner closely with WHO.

Together we support countries and communities to tackle the determinants of health, including poverty, inequalities, climate, digital inclusion, and governance.

We face intensifying climate change, increasing conflicts, a cost-of-living crisis and pushback on human rights, gender equality and civic space, all overlapping and converging to threaten the health and well-being of people and planet.

The only path forward is to radically reimagine our approaches to health and sustainable development and deepen partnerships

Midway to 2030, 2023 must be a turning point.

This year’s SDG summit, three high-level meetings on health and COP 28 are an opportunity to ensure the political will, financing and integrated multi-sectoral solutions needed to deliver on our shared promise of health and well-being for all. 

With the 2030 Agenda as our north star, science, equity and access must be at the center of our collective efforts.

A future Pandemic Accord has the potential to transform human security by prioritizing leadership at all levels, an authoritative WHO, sustained financing, equitable countermeasures, and universal health coverage. 

Please count on UNDP to continue its strong partnership with WHO – including through the SDG3 Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Well-Being for All and as a Cosponsor of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS and a partner of the Global Fund and other multilaterals, Member States and the global community to advance a better future for all. 

Thank you, Chair, and I wish you all a successful 76th World Health Assembly.

About the 76 World Health Assembly

The Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly is being held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 21–30 May 2023. The theme of this year’s Health Assembly is: WHO at 75: Saving lives, driving health for all.

Find out more here