First Official Meeting of the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (GLG)
by Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General
04/05/2021
First Official Meeting of the Global Leaders Group
on Antimicrobial Resistance (GLG)
FAO Director-General Dr QU Dongyu
Opening remarks
4 May
As prepared
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
1. It is truly a great moment, to welcome you all at the 1st Official Meeting of the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance.
2. My congratulations for the GLG’s successful engagement at the High-Level Interactive Dialogue on Antimicrobial Resistance organized by the UN General Assembly last week.
3. As we start our discussions today, I would like to shed light on 3 key areas of engagement for the GLG that could bring catalytic change to the fight against AMR:
4. First, GLG can strengthen multi-stakeholders’ coherent engagement on AMR.
5. The Tripartite is currently working on establishing the Partnership Platform for Actions against AMR, to build a shared global vision, goals and coordinated action on AMR.
6. The GLG can amplify the voice of the Platform and advocate for its sustainability by highlighting the successes and attracting wide involvement and commitment.
7. Secondly, the role of the GLG will be crucial in mobilizing resources to apply the One Health approach to AMR interventions.
8. The Tripartite has a long record of accomplishment of One Health collaboration through mechanisms such as the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund.
9. With its focus on investing in multi-sectoral coordination at all levels, the Trust Fund is a foundation for sustainable One Health responses to AMR.
10. Building on this foundation, we need to accelerate our joint efforts with all key partners now.
11. With the increasing number of countries adopting the One Health approach and the growing political willingness to combat AMR, the Group’s leadership to promote awareness and mobilize the required resources is highly appreciated.
12. Thirdly, the GLG can play a crucial role in increasing the level of ambition to implement the different global commitments on AMR.
13. I am pleased to inform you that, building on the key lessons learned to date, FAO has developed a new Action Plan on AMR for 2021-2025 emphasizing the centrality of capacity building at national level.
14. I am certain that the GLG, speaking with ONE VOICE for ONE HEALTH, will have a substantial impact on the global AMR narrative.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
15. Our joint efforts in advocating for the responsible and sustainable use of antimicrobials contribute to saving lives.
16. At the 166th Session of the FAO Council that was successfully concluded just three days ago, the new Strategic Framework has received the full support of our Members.
17. The Strategic Framework seeks to support the 2030 Agenda through the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.
18. The support of our Members sends a very clear message: FAO will continue to play a key role in providing integrated and coherent assistance to its Members- including on the matter of antimicrobials.
19. You can count on FAO’s steady support in achieving our common goals.
20. I look forward to a productive meeting.
21. Thank you.