COVID-19 made countries more aware of their strengths and vulnerabilities: Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has made countries more aware of their strengths and vulnerabilities.

He was addressing the 74th World Health Assembly, a decision-making body for the World Health Organisation (WHO), on Monday.

Opening of the #WHA74 with @DrTedros https://t.co/UQEUwspsVh

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 24, 2021

Speaking live on World Health Organisation (WHO) and Presidency platforms, Ramaphosa said the pandemic had also demonstrated how dependent countries were on each other.

The video below, Ramaphosa addresses the WHO gathering:

Meanwhile, European Union leaders are on Tuesday expected to debate how to split the efforts and costs of the bloc’s shift to a low-carbon future.

The leaders will discuss how to meet the new European Union (EU) target, agreed in April, to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, against 1990 levels.

The EU’s executive Commission is due to publish a set of climate policy proposals in July, including carbon market reforms and tougher carbon dioxide standards for vehicles.

All will need approval from its 27 member states. The previous target was 40%.

The talks will shed light on what policy changes EU governments are likely to accept.

-Additional reporting by Reuters