Global Leaders to Tackle Pandemic Preparedness and Trust at 54th Annual WEF Meeting

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World Economic Forum 2024 in Davos focuses on rebuilding trust and addressing pandemic challenges.

The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to take place in January 2024 under the theme of “Rebuilding Trust.” This prestigious event will bring together leaders and influencers from various sectors worldwide to address pressing global challenges and explore ways to restore trust in key areas.

After three years of “crisis, suffering, and loss” related to COVID-19, the world is now preparing for future pandemics, stated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), according to 20 Minutes. In his end-of-year message, Tedros urged countries to conclude an “extraordinary” agreement to fill the gaps in pandemic preparedness.

“The year 2024 offers a unique opportunity to bridge these gaps,” he said, highlighting ongoing negotiations for the first global agreement on pandemic threats. This agreement aims to enhance collaboration, cooperation, and equity in the pandemic response.

#Davos2024 is all about Resolution, Recovery and Rebuilding Trust…

To achieve these goals in an innovative, authentic and sustainable manner, we must bring #YouthToTheTable. 🤝

For the 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum @WEF in Davos, our Youth Delegates… pic.twitter.com/mcIhiokl5o

— We Are (Family Found)ation (@WeAreFamilyFdtn) December 15, 2023

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also mentioned significant developments in global health, including the lifting of the highest level of alert on the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2023, considering it sufficiently under control. Additionally, the WHO lifted a similar alert regarding mpox (monkeypox) in May 2023 and approved new vaccines against malaria, dengue, and meningitis. Furthermore, Azerbaijan, Belize, and Tajikistan have been declared malaria-free.

However, Tedros expressed concern about the resurgence of cholera, with over 40 epidemic outbreaks worldwide, describing the situation as “particularly concerning.” He also welcomed the highlighting of the impacts of climate change on health during the recent COP.

The 54th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos is expected to provide a platform for global leaders to collaborate and address these pressing issues, emphasizing the need for collective action to build a more resilient and prepared world in the face of future challenges.