World must tackle insularity, complacency before next pandemic: President Tharman

It has to counter the challenge creatively and avoid further polarisation, he says

- Joyce Teo

Barely five years after the Covid-19 pandemic first hit, the world is at risk of forgetting its lessons, and the greatest challenge now is complacency, wishful thinking and insularity, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

The world has to counter that challenge creatively and avoid further polarisation, he said.

"We have to do so through arrangements that appeal to nations' sense of self-preservation, and which recognise the practical reality that we can prevent and prepare for the next pandemic only through a major step-up in internationally coordinated investments and actions."

Speaking at a high-level networking dinner hosted by the Temasek Foundation on May 6, Mr Tharman said scientists have made clear that the next major pandemic is a matter of when, not if, and it could come in 10 years or next year. There is thus much work ahead.

The world has to first reclaim lost ground and rebuild local healthcare systems, as the Covid-19 pandemic had set them back by more than just the first few years of that event. It has to continue to invest at much higher levels in the global health ecosystem, especially in pandemic prevention and preparedness, as well as strengthen international and regional cooperation, Mr Tharman said.

Held at the Pan Pacific Singapore hotel, the dinner coincides with the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025, which is taking place from May 5 to 7. It brings together leaders from philanthropy, government and the private sector to explore opportunities for advancing health and well-being in Asia.

Among the guest speakers was Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organisation (WHO).