QUESTION TO Mr. Yasuhisa Shiozaki:

Mr Shiozaki, as Japan's former Minister of Health, you will have inevitably experienced the sort of complex, often competing, economic and political challenges that governments must weigh when it comes to investments in PPR. In your opinion, what more needs to be done to sharpen the focus of world leaders so that they continue to prioritise pandemic financing?

Thank you for your question.

Since the start of the 21st century, we have witnessed large-scale outbreaks, including the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, occurring approximately every three years. This unsettling trend underscores the critical need to break the cycle of "panic and neglect" that has historically plagued our global health response. To safeguard our future, we must ensure consistent investments on Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPR) by all countries, aimed at minimizing pandemic risks and fostering global resilience.

The most important step in this endeavor will surely be the succesful finalization of the Pandemic Preparedness Treaty by next May, accompanied by securing the necessary funds to promote PPR following a comprehensive "playbook" currently being prepared by the G20 Task Force. However, in today's global political climate, characterized by increasing social fragmentation and the rise of populism, achieving global consensus on PPR is a formidable challenge. In order to overcome these uncertainties, I would like to propose following three critical points for consideration.

First, we must redefine "pandemics" not merely as "health crisis" but as significant issues of "national security" and "economic security." It is imperative that global leaders internalize this perspective, recognizing that PPR(pandemic preparedness and response) is fundamental to the stability and security of their own nations. Backing up the establishment of CEPI in 2017 through Ise-Shima Summit process in 2016 is a good example of successful financing by re-defining health crisis as "security agenda" responding to Ebola outbreak.

Second, I would like re-emphasize that the effective allocation of PPR budgets requires a deep mutual understanding between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, established from peacetime. This collaboration is essential that emergency funds are readily available when crisis strikes, allowing for swift and effective action. A good example of this is "UHC Knowledge Hub" to be established next year near Tokyo by World Bank and WHO for human resource development for UHC financing which is, in the end, an integral part of PPR financing.

Third, while traditional top-down PPR approaches by tax-payers' money remain vital, but it is not enough. So, we must innovate and build a "new PPR ecosystem." This ecosystem should leverage private sector funds through innovative financing, human resources, and expertise, drawing inspiration from decentralized, collaborative nature of WEB3 technologies. By doing so, we can enhance our agility and responsiveness to emerging threats.

So, with these three critical points implemented, I believe we should securely strengthen PPR financing.

Thank you.