UNGA appoints Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the UN, and Ambassador Maurizio Massari, Permanent Representative of Italy to the UN, as co-facilitators to prepare for the UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response in 2026. (Photo: VOV Washington)

President of the 79th UNGA session Philemon Yang expressed confidence that the two ambassadors would work effectively with UN member states and encourage consensus in organizing this high-level meeting. The meeting will advance international commitments on health and wellness, including the Declaration on Future Generations.

Vietnam’s first time working as co-facilitator for the preparation of a major UN meeting reflects the UNGA President’s and the international community’s recognition of Vietnam’s reputation, role, and positive contributions to global efforts, particularly in pandemic prevention and control.

Vietnam has actively led efforts to strengthen the global health system and improve pandemic preparedness in recent years. It proposed the annual observance of the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on December 27 and promoted the first UN High-Level Meeting on the subject in 2023.