New Zealand has pledged it will co-sponsor the World Health Organization (WHO) response to the COVID-19 pandemic with Health Minister David Clark promising to "protect the most vulnerable in society".
Appearing by audiovisual link at the 73rd World Health Assembly on Tuesday morning, Clark confirmed New Zealand will support the response put forward by the WHO, which aims for global unity in the face of the pandemic.
The multi-faceted response includes promises of better outcomes for people in poverty, vulnerable populations and those already facing humanitarian crises.
It covers the importance of vaccination, protection of frontline workers and prevention of discrimination and rising social issues as a result of the pandemic.
The resolution also promises to investigate weaknesses in the WHO and calls for an independent evaluation of its effectiveness.
Clark says the pandemic has taught the world how vital a coordinated response is.
"This crisis has reinforced the critical importance of healthcare and other essential workers as well as global cooperation," he told the assembly.
"In looking to the future we will be able to save lives, communities and economies if we commit to building on the strengthening of global relations and mechanisms."
He called on other members of the WHO and the European Union to join too.
"We very much hope all member states join with us in taking the steps towards a new era of global solidarity."
The proposed response has been celebrated by many member states - however the United States has been openly critical of how the WHO handled the COVID-19 crisis.
US President Donald Trump accused WHO of failing to disclose the severity of the pandemic in time, lied about the virus spreading between people and said the organisation was "China-centric".
