Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, the Minister of State for Financial Affairs, along with Dr. Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Health, led a high-level UAE delegation in the G20 Joint Health-Finance Ministers Meeting (JHFMM). The purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on the accomplishments of the Joint Finance and Health Task Force (JFHTF) over the course of this year.
The JFHTF serves as a platform that brings together financial and health authorities from G20 member nations, invited countries, and representatives from relevant international and regional organizations. Its primary objective is to facilitate open dialogue and foster global collaboration in addressing issues related to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The UAE actively participated in the three sessions held by the Task Force under the G20 Finance Track this year, aiming to enhance international discussions and cooperation.
During the meeting, the UAE delegation praised the advancements achieved by the JFHTF throughout the year and underscored the significance of capitalizing on these successes to enhance effective cooperation between health and finance sectors. Emphasis was placed on the pandemic risk assessment and the identification of financing gaps, endeavors that the JFHTF has undertaken. The UAE delegation highlighted the need to incorporate country-specific contexts in future initiatives.
One of the focal points of the meeting was the coordination between finance and health sectors in responding to health crises. Discussions revolved around exploring opportunities to strengthen these mechanisms. Additionally, members reviewed the progress in developing a comprehensive framework addressing health, social, and economic vulnerabilities, and risks associated with pandemics. A mapping exercise of existing pandemic response financing mechanisms and gaps was also discussed, aiming to pave the way for a coordinated and effective approach to pandemic response financing.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participating ministers reaffirmed their dedication to the priorities set by the task force. They collectively agreed to continue spearheading collaborative efforts between health and finance sectors in tackling pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This commitment further solidifies the role of the JFHTF as a pivotal avenue for ensuring the world’s readiness to address future health crises.
