"With an estimated 60% of known infectious diseases and up to 75% of new or emerging infectious diseases originating in animals, preventing dangerous pathogens from jumping from animals to humans is crucial.  No pandemic prevention can be effective without addressing the interdependence between the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. This is the reason why France is a strong advocate of the One health approach."

“Diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza remind us of the importance of the interactions between the environment, animals and people. The next big threat to human health may well develop in animals. Antimicrobial resistance is another good reason why the OneHealth approach is important. This approach must be integrated in the new pandemic agreement. We also look forward to next year’s high-level meeting on AMR.”

“Canada values the One Health approach that recognizes the intersection between human, animal and environmental health and promotes collaboration across sectors and borders. We are committed to civic engagement and empowerment because we have seen firsthand the relationship between community resilience and the ability to adapt, reduce harm, and respond to evolving health challenges. As we put our support of this declaration into action, Canada will continue to work collaboratively with local, regional, national and international partners to prevent, prepare for and respond to emerging and re-emerging threats.”

“Indonesia is committed to a comprehensive approach to PPPR that not only includes vital work to strengthen laboratory capacity, build the health workforce, and strengthen primary healthcare across the country, but also to address the animal health and ecological health drivers of spillover of viruses. Prevention of pandemics before they begin is the most equitable approach to addressing pandemic risk since it protects everyone everywhere equally. Indonesia very much welcomes the inclusion of language promoting One Health and addressing the underlying drivers of pandemics in the Political Declaration.”

“In this defining moment at the High-Level Meeting, it is imperative to emphasize the paramount importance of placing the "One Health" approach at the very heart of our global health agenda. We find ourselves at a crossroads where we must reevaluate and redefine our vision of health. It is imperative that we acknowledge the intricate interdependence of human, animal, and environmental health. We must advocate fervently for the explicit inclusion of animal and environmental health within the foundational pillars of human well-being. We should update our definition of health, to include animal and environmental health. In our quest to bridge the disparities between nations, especially those that exist between the Global South and North, I stress the urgency of channeling international funding directly into "One Health" initiatives. This strategic allocation of resources empowers nations to construct resilient health systems capable of addressing health challenges from a holistic standpoint. Embracing "One Health" transcends the realm of pandemic prevention; it encapsulates our collective commitment to long-term sustainability, the assurance of global food security, and the safeguarding of our planet's precious ecosystems.”

"The Political Declaration sends a clear signal that governments are willing to work together not only to prepare and respond to a future pandemic but more importantly to prevent it via a holistic One Health approach and by tackling the drivers of outbreaks including in animals. It is of utmost importance that this intention translates into clear steps and action, especially within the WHO negotiations on an international instrument to prepare, prevent and respond to future pandemics. The next step will need to be an international pandemic instrument that incentivises and supports effective preventive measures, compliance, and implementation.”

“Action on the ground must include identifying and addressing high-risk practices that increase zoonotic outbreaks and spillover events. This is a prerequisite to effectively prevent pandemics.” 

“The Political Declaration gives a nod to addressing the deeper causes of the dramatic rise in new infectious diseases. The next step is for member states to develop comprehensive, meaningful commitments with concrete next steps to make sure that the 25 million deaths and trillions of dollars in economic harm from COVID 19 are learned from.  The peak of the crisis is over, but we have yet to tackle what has driven this crisis and can trigger future pandemics.  Governments, UN agencies and multilateral funding bodies have a clear road map on what is needed to prevent future pandemics - protect forests and wildlife, improve keeping and breeding conditions in animal agriculture, and advance primary healthcare for all, especially in rural communities. Will they decide in favor of humanity?”

“I am thrilled that this High-Level Summit will draw attention to the undeniable threats posed by pandemics. This Summit is only a start. The horrors we recently experienced from COVID are a result of underinvestment in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. We cannot afford for the lessons we learned to be forgotten. I hope that world leaders will make firm commitments to more comprehensively address pandemics in follow-up to the Summit.”