Leaders Around the World Use the Pandemic to Promote National Agendas and Criticise Global Inequality
Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 dominated the discussions at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, with world leaders using the pandemic as both a reflection of global challenges and a platform to push for their own political objectives. From vaccine inequality to economic devastation, and from social isolation to misinformation, each country leader framed the pandemic in a way that highlighted their unique concerns.
For many, the pandemic was more than just a health crisis; it became a tool for political messaging. Palau, for example, praised Taiwan’s pandemic response, highlighting the nation’s support in ensuring vaccines and medical supplies were delivered to the island, and used the moment to advocate for Taiwan’s membership in the UN. Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. also thanked Taiwan for facilitating safe travel routes, ensuring Palau avoided isolation.
In stark contrast, the United States used COVID-19 as a symbol of hope and leadership. President Joe Biden’s address underscored America’s return to global prominence, pledging to deliver vaccines to 100 countries as part of its commitment to supporting global health. “Planes carrying vaccines from the United States have already landed in 100 countries, bringing people all over the world a little ‘dose of hope,’” Biden proclaimed, signalling his country’s generosity and commitment to international cooperation.
On the other hand, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s speech centred around condemnation of U.S. sanctions, which he argued exacerbated the pandemic. He decried the sanctions on medical supplies, calling them crimes against humanity, and emphasised Iran’s efforts to produce its own vaccines in the face of these challenges.
Meanwhile, Namibia’s President Hage Geingob drew attention to the issue of vaccine inequality, comparing the current situation to apartheid. He highlighted the stark disparities in vaccine distribution, with some countries already rolling out booster shots while others still struggle to secure initial doses. Geingob’s remarks also resonated with the UN’s ongoing discussions on racism and reparations, linking vaccine access to broader historical injustices.
Several leaders shared their personal experiences with COVID-19. Polish President Andrzej Duda reflected on his own battle with the virus, which he said made him more aware of global solidarity. He asked whether the post-pandemic world would embrace cooperation or return to old patterns of division.
In stark contrast, Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro used his address to defy the mainstream medical consensus, continuing his scepticism of vaccines and early treatments. Despite the pandemic’s toll on his country, Bolsonaro stood by his belief in the autonomy of doctors and the importance of personal medical choice, refusing to comply with vaccination requirements for the UN assembly.
The diverse range of political agendas tied to COVID-19 underscores how deeply interconnected global health challenges are with national politics. Each leader has framed the pandemic to reflect their own values, whether pushing for greater international cooperation, denouncing perceived injustices, or defending personal freedoms.
