SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 | 3:30–5:00 P.M. EDT | NEW YORK CITY
Join Heads of State and senior leaders from Africa and the Americas for a high-level discussion on financing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
On the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Burundi, in collaboration with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and with support from the United Nations Foundation, will convene leaders from government, international organizations, financing institutions, and development partners to advance dialogue on financing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
Speakers
The high-level panel will feature:
- H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
- H.E. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the African Union
- H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC
- Dr. Jarbas Barbosa Jr., Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
About the event
Taking place as world leaders gather for UNGA81 and the High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response (PPPR), the event will highlight the urgent need for sustained investment in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response as a cornerstone of global health security, economic resilience, and sustainable development.
Under the theme “Two Regions, One Future: Financing Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Build Global Health Security,” the discussion will bring together perspectives from Africa and the Americas to explore how country-led priorities, regional cooperation, and innovative financing approaches can strengthen preparedness capacities and build more resilient health systems.
A ministerial panel will follow, bringing together government representatives and leaders from international financing institutions to explore how evidence-based, country-driven priorities can be translated into preparedness action at scale.
When and Where
The high-level side event will take place on September 22, 2026, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. EDT, at Conference Room 1, United Nations Headquarters in New York, and will be livestreamed to a global audience. Livestream information and access details will be shared soon.