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Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney T.D., will participate this evening in the UN General Assembly Special Session on COVID-19. The purpose of the Special Session is for member states to share perspectives on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking by video at the session, Minister Coveney will emphasise the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing COVID-19.

It is clear that the leadership displayed by the international community has been key to developing public health strategies. Ireland, like so many of our counterparts, has benefited from the expert advice and the multilateral leadership of the UN and the WHO.

He will draw attention to the centrality of protecting the vulnerable and the importance of testing, social distancing, good respiratory hygiene and face-coverings.

Minister Coveney will also highlight Ireland’s contributions to global efforts to address COVID-19, stating:

We have also sought to assist others.  We have contributed over $150 million to the global response to COVID-19, quadrupled our financial contribution to the WHO, and supported Gavi and the Global Fund. We have also worked with EU partners on the COVAX initiative, to ensure equitable access to vaccines.

Notes for Editors:

• As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN General Assembly Special Session on COVID-19 is taking place in a virtual format.

Senior representatives from UN Member States are convening on 3-4 December 2020 to share experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found on: https://www.un.org/pga/75/special-session-of-the-general-assembly-in-response-to-the-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-pandemic/