UNGA adopts resolution for 'intensified' intl co-operation

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution on COVID-19, calling for "intensified" international cooperation to defeat the pandemic.

Resolution 74/270 adopted by the world body on Thursday states that the 193-member UNGA notes "with great concern" the threat to human health, safety and well-being caused by COVID-19, which continues to spread globally, reports Xinhua news agency.

It says the UNGA recognizes the "unprecedented" effects of the pandemic, including the severe disruption to societies and economies, as well as to global travel and commerce, and the devastating impact on the livelihood of people.

The UNGA also recognizes that the pandemic requires a "global response" based on unity, solidarity and renewed multilateral cooperation, it said.

The resolution therefore calls for "intensified international cooperation to contain, mitigate and defeat the pandemic, including by exchanging information, scientific knowledge and best practices and by applying the relevant guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization".

It calls upon the UN system, under the leadership of the Secretary-General, to work with all relevant actors to mobilize a coordinated global response to the pandemic and its adverse social, economic and financial impact on all societies.

The resolution is the first to be adopted by the UNGA on the pandemic that is sweeping the world and causing great global concern.

It was adopted under a silence procedure, as the UNGA is not holding meetings due to the pandemic.

The resolution comes as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally has crossed the 1 million mark.

As of Friday, there were a total of 1,017,693 coronavirus cases across the world, with 53,179 deaths, while 212,072 others have recovered, according to the new tally from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering.

The US has reported the highest number of cases, at 245,573, along with 6,058 deaths.

Italy, with an overall 115,242 cases, accounts for the highest number of deaths at 13,915.

In terms of the number of cases, Spain comes third with 112,065 infections, while it has the second highest death toll after Italy with 10,348 fatalities. IANS