On 21st March, 2023, Prime Minister, Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves delivered remarks at the “EU-LAC High-Level Pharmaceutical Forum; sharing Pharmaceutical Innovations between the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).”
The Forum, which included panel discussions from various political leaders and technical experts, was geared towards providing a platform for the discussion of the various challenges and opportunities linked to the access of pharmaceuticals. The forum also addressed the role of governments, private sector and other key stakeholders in the sustainability of the pharmaceutical sector.
Welcome remarks were delivered by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Pro Tempore President of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Dr. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves. In his speech, Prime Minister Gonsalves highlighted the vulnerabilities of economies within the Latin America and Caribbean Region specifically within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for self-sufficiency on matters of health and the promotion of deeper regional integration, cooperation, and solidarity as part of CELAC’s plan. Remarks were also delivered by representatives of the European Union.
Panel discussions examined areas such as, health priorities, ambitions and programmes, as well as, pharmaceutical innovations across LAC and EU and financing opportunities.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines assumed the presidency of CELAC on 24th January, 2023.
SOURCE: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
