U.N. News: Scientists optimistic about COVID-19 vaccines for all
“Scientists developing COVID-19 vaccines are optimistic that by the end of next year, all people everywhere will have access to safe and effective treatments against a disease which has disrupted the entire planet. Principals from BioNTech and Oxford University — both pioneers in the COVID vaccine rollout — participated in an online dialogue on Friday, held under the special session of the U.N. General Assembly devoted to the pandemic…” (12/4).

VOA News: WHO Chief Urges Investment, Preparation for Next Pandemic
“The head of the World Health Organization said Friday that with a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, nations must start investing and preparing for the next pandemic. ‘Despite years of warnings, many countries were simply not ready for COVID-19,’ WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a special session of the U.N. General Assembly on the coronavirus. ‘Many mistakenly assumed their strong health systems would protect them’…” (Besheer, 12/4).

Xinhua: Roundup: U.N. principals call for right decisions, science, solidarity, ceasefire in fight against COVID-19
“Principals of the United Nations, including the U.N. deputy chief and the development chief, on Friday called on the global community to make the right decisions, respect science, seek solidarity and cease fire in the struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been ravaging human beings for almost a year. ‘This session comes at a critical moment. If we make the right decisions now, we can meet the humanitarian needs, reset the development pathways, accelerate implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and secure a life of dignity and opportunity for all on a safe and a healthy planet,’ U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said, while addressing the second and final day of the U.N. General Assembly’s special session on COVID-19…” (12/4).

Additional coverage of the General Assembly’s special session is available from AP, U.N. News, and Xinhua.