04 July 2023 – The Global Parliament of Mayors and Geneva Cities Hub are joining forces to host an insightful webinar titled “Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response: Mayors’ Voices Matter.” This webinar, scheduled for July 11, 2023, at 3pm CEST, aims to highlight the crucial role of mayors in effectively addressing pandemics within their cities. By bringing together mayors, experts, and policymakers, the event will explore the current global initiatives and provide a platform for discussion.
The webinar will feature esteemed panelists who have made significant contributions to pandemic management and public health. Among them are GPM Mayor Ricardo Rio from Braga, Portugal, GPM Mayor Jeni Arndt from Fort Collins, USA, and GPM Mayor Manuel De Araujo from Quelimane, Mozambique. These mayors, alongside global health experts Rebecca Katz, Ph.D., and Ilona Kickbush, Ph.D., will engage in a thought-provoking conversation moderated by Anh Thu Duong.
Recognizing the unique dynamics and challenges faced by cities and urban settings, it becomes imperative to include the perspectives of mayors and local authorities in global decision-making processes. The webinar will shed light on the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations at the World Health Organization, specifically regarding the revision of the International Health Regulations (IHR) and the development of a new international treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. The panelists will discuss technical and political aspects, emphasizing provisions relevant to local and regional governments.
One key objective of the webinar is to introduce a proposed “Mayor’s Declaration for Better Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response.” This declaration aims to garner support for a whole-of-government approach, emphasizing the importance of including mayors and local authorities in the implementation of global strategies.
The webinar provides an opportunity for mayors, public health professionals, policymakers, and individuals interested in pandemic management to gain valuable insights and contribute to the global discourse on effective prevention and response measures.
The Global Parliament of Mayors and Geneva Cities Hub invite all stakeholders to participate in this significant event. By amplifying the voices of mayors, we can pave the way for improved collaboration in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.