MSC hosts Roundtable on Global Health Security with a focus on pandemic preparedness and response

Titled "Beyond Covid-19: How to be Best Prepared for the Next Global Pandemic," the Munich Security Conference (MSC) organized a virtual Roundtable on Global Health Security on December 14, 2021. MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger opened the event, emphasizing the importance of investments to address the current Covid-19 pandemic as well as to better prepare against future public health threats. In this regard, Germany would be in the driving seat with its upcoming G7 presidency in 2022.

Following Ambassador Ischinger’s remarks, Wendy Morton, Minister for Europe and Americas at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Miguel Berger, State Secretary in the Federal Foreign Office gave brief statements. Among other topics, they touched upon CEPI’s goal of cutting vaccine development timelines to 100 days, which has been embraced by the UK’s G7 presidency, global vaccine equity, as well as Germany’s opportunities to shape global health security during its G7 presidency.

Chaired by Katja Gloger, author and former journalist at Stern, high-level representatives from governments, parliaments, international organizations, business, and nongovernmental organizations discussed, among other things, Germany’s leadership role in the global health system, as well as necessary investments in pandemic preparedness and response. In addition, the participants addressed the significance of restoring public trust to ensure the success of the global vaccination campaign.

Keeping the next pandemic in mind

Among the participants, there was broad consensus on particularly two issues: first, the focus should not only be on responding to the current pandemic but include strengthening pandemic preparedness and response to be better prepared for next pandemics – which are becoming even more likely. Second, there is currently political momentum to launch new initiatives, and it should be used before the opportunity vanishes. Necessary measures discussed included promoting research and development efforts, improving global surveillance of infectious diseases, and supporting low- and middle-income countries, especially in building their own manufacturing capacities for vaccines. According to the participants, Germany has a decisive role to play as, with its G7 presidency, it is well suited to launch and continue initiatives and to bring about consensus on important decisions.