－ International Cooperation and the Importance of the One Health approach －
On September 25, 2026, during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response was held, and Dr. Isao Kurauchi, President of the World Veterinary Association (WVA), attended the meeting.
Under the theme “Fostering a multinational and intergenerational approach to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics and public health emergencies, through the principles of equity and solidarity,” representatives from various countries discussed international efforts to prepare for future pandemics.
Drawing on the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants reaffirmed the importance of infectious disease surveillance, early detection, and rapid response. They also emphasized that pandemic preparedness requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach extending beyond the health sector. However, agreement on the draft political declaration was not reached on the day of the meeting, and discussions among countries continued thereafter. Following these discussions, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response on October 12, 2026. The declaration highlights the importance of cooperation among countries, regions, and the international community to strengthen capacities for prevention, preparedness, and response in order to protect people’s health and lives from future pandemics.
Cross-Sectoral Collaboration for Pandemic Preparedness
The political declaration emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to pandemic preparedness, highlighting the importance of collaboration across a range of sectors, including health, development, the economy, and security. It also identifies key priorities such as strengthening infectious disease surveillance systems and early warning capabilities, as well as making sustained investments to enhance countries’ response capacities.
In considering pandemic prevention, it is important not only to respond after an infectious disease emerges but also to address the factors that contribute to its emergence and spread. In particular, understanding the risks posed by zoonotic diseases requires attention not only to human health but also to animal health and environmental conditions. Taking into account the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, sharing information and fostering cooperation among relevant sectors, including human medicine, veterinary medicine, and environmental conservation, are essential for strengthening infectious disease surveillance and prevention. Such cross-sectoral collaboration is also a key element of the One Health approach and plays an important role in identifying infectious disease risks at an early stage and ensuring appropriate responses in preparation for future pandemics.
Protecting Future Health Through International Cooperation
Pandemics can spread across national borders, making it essential for the international community to work together on prevention and response rather than relying on individual countries alone. Countries are expected to establish systems that enable them to identify infectious disease threats at an early stage, share necessary information, and respond rapidly and appropriately.
The adoption of the political declaration demonstrates the international community’s continued commitment to preparing for future pandemics, drawing on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cooperation among relevant sectors and institutions, based on an understanding of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, contributes not only to infectious disease prevention but also to protecting the health and safety of society as a whole. The High-Level Meeting and the adoption of the political declaration have once again highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation and cross-sectoral collaboration.
