Group of Friends of UHC and Global Health

Summary: In September of this year, the UN General Assembly held three significant High-Level Meetings on health during its 78th session, elevating the issue to the top of the political agenda. The High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage demonstrated the commitment of Heads of States and stakeholders to reinvigorate efforts and progress toward achieving health for all. Emphasizing the imperative for Universal Health Coverage worldwide, they stressed the crucial need for robust and resilient health systems, leaving no one behind. Strengthening health systems acknowledges that various factors beyond the health sector influence health outcomes. Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) implies concrete actions and investments, particularly in Primary Health Care and a proficient health workforce. The repercussions of inaction have a tangible cost. 4.5 billion people are still not fully covered by essential health services, and 2 billion people experience financial hardship due to out-ofpocket health spending. New governance and financing models are needed, with public investments being integral to both sustainable health systems and the realization of UHC. Global progress is impeded by existing inequities. Accelerating progress and bridging gaps between countries demand international support in the form of capacity building, technical assistance, technology transfer, and debt financing. This support is essential for narrowing the disparities on a global scale.

Co-sponsors: Co-chairs of the Group of Friends of UHC and Global Health (Japan, Georgia, Thailand), WHO, UN Foundation

**

Program:
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm: Guest Arrival and Registration
4:45 pm – 5:00 pm: Opening Remarks
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm: Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors addresses Permanent Representatives of Thailand: H.E. Mr. Suriya Chindawongse, Permanent Representatives of Georgia: H.E. Mr. David Bakradze, Ambassador of Japan: H.E. Mrs. Shino Mitsuko Address by the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Dennis Francis Message from the WHO Director General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Select interventions by other Permanent Representatives Permanent Representatives: H.E. Ms. Zsuzsanna Horváth
5:45 pm: Networking and Reception Continues

Photos here: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPlTTty5A7KsFGR03mwKDVsR-bjERkC_8V8aetWhnlKG7fAKGfYjAmOHo_Qpn4rmA?pli=1&key=djhwbDZRTTZBeTNla1YxU1V5cGV2ZTJUTGRVVUp3

Amb YAMANAKA’s Welcome Remarks: https://www.un.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/yamanaka121223.html