The representative of the Russian Federation said that he joined in on consensus on the texts, underscoring that they contain many important elements for humanity’s common future. During consultations, however, many Member States showed very clearly that they did not wish to be involved in attempts to politicize negotiations and serve the interests of the West. Some countries attempted to bring the issue of Ukraine into negotiations. He associated himself with the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations and expressed disappointment that the documents were to be adopted without an appeal to remove unilateral coercive sanctions against millions of people. It is obvious that the development of countries is being blocked by unilateral coercive measures. He also expressed concern that the declaration on tuberculosis saw a whole paragraph removed. The language was important as it considered the vulnerable situation of children with tuberculosis.

In explanation of vote after the vote, the representative of Spain, speaking on behalf of the Eu, said she was delighted to approve the three political declarations and commended the co-facilitators that brought the Assembly together to reaffirm its commitment to improve global health. When it comes to pandemic preparedness, prevention and response, she underlined the power of collaboration to address global inequity and said the European Union is “walking the talk” by taking concrete action that makes everyone safer. She wanted the record to reflect the bloc’s disassociation with two points: The paragraph continuing non-consensual references to the right to development and that the transfer of technology must be voluntary and on mutually agreed terms.