In his speech, he recognized the profound inequalities in societies at the regional and global level ‘in all its harshness’ by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has made it clear that ‘the only path to the survival of Humanity must be guided by solidarity,’ he asserted.

Panama could buy enough vaccines for its entire population and will achieve collective immunity in the coming weeks, he noted, adding, ‘However, the goal cannot be that some countries reach herd immunity when the main objective has to be global immunity.’

The president described as a ‘great regional challenge’ the need to provide aid to the population amid the ‘harsh circumstances imposed by the pandemic, thus helping to maintain the living conditions and social peace.’

He explained Panama’s experience in providing food and basic supplies to those who lost their sources of income, especially in the most vulnerable population segments, an action that allowed the reduction of extreme poverty in 2020, as recognized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Taking into account that Panama is in the middle of a migratory crisis due to its transit nature, Cortizo explained that so far this year, 80,000 migrants have crossed the Isthmus, with a monthly exponential growth multiplied by more than 37 times from January to August.

‘We appeal to the international community to make, as soon as possible, a joint effort with coordinated strategies and resources to anticipate a regional humanitarian crisis of serious proportions. This is everyone’s responsibility’, he said.

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