Solidarity is the key factor to improve global pandemic security. The Covid-19 pandemic has verified the unequal and fluctuating disease burden and resource scarcity both among and inside countries. The most vulnerable groups have suffered the most, and social inclusion doesn't seem to work when it is desperately needed.
Globally, the United Nations Organization and the World Health Organization have been active in pushing for global solidarity to highlight the universal nature and scope of the crisis, acknowledging the uneven distribution of vaccines and the embedded injustices in global health governance. The United Nations has warned against vaccine nationalism and advocated their support for the poorest and weakest in the international system.
At the European level, solidarity has often been expressed as a synonym for intra-EU coordination and assistance between member states as well as safeguarding the welfare of European citizens. Some efforts have been made to target special efforts to minorities like refugees or displaced people.
For inclusion, the most important is communal solidarity at the national, regional and local level. It should not exclude anyone. There we find a lot more to be done in each and every society.
The Parliamentarians for Peace project collects in an innovative and constructive way new ideas and proposals, makes politicians with various backgrounds work together and suggest durable solutions.
We need both top-down and bottom-up strategies, more solidarity and social justice at all levels to be better prepared for future pandemics.
Johannes Koskinen is a prominent Member of the Finnish Parliament, Chair of the Finance Committee. Before his career in the Parliament, Johannes Koskinen worked as a trade union lawyer. He has served in many political roles, including as Board Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and as Minister of Justice.