23 June 2026, SEOUL, Republic of Korea – The flag of Canada was raised today at the headquarters of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) in Seoul to mark the country’s accession to IVI’s Establishment Agreement, the treaty that founded the international organization.

H.E. Philippe Lafortune, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Korea, raised the Canadian national flag during a ceremony held at IVI headquarters. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic community, IVI States Parties, the Government of the Republic of Korea, and IVI leadership.

Canada acceded to the United Nations Agreement on the Establishment of the International Vaccine Institute on 1 April 2026, becoming IVI’s newest State Party and its first G7 member. The country’s accession reflects a shared commitment to strengthening global health security, advancing vaccine equity, and supporting scientific collaboration to address infectious diseases and emerging health threats worldwide. As a State Party, Canada will contribute its expertise and leadership to IVI’s international efforts to expand access to life-saving vaccines and strengthen preparedness for future pandemics.

H.E. Philippe Lafortune, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Korea, said: “By joining the International Vaccine Institute, Canada is reaffirming its commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation in health. Building on a legacy of scientific leadership—from insulin to the Ebola vaccine—we are proud to work with partners to ensure that life-saving vaccines reach those who need them most, wherever they live.”

Professor Helen Rees, Chairperson of IVI’s Board of Trustees, said: “As the first G7 country to join IVI, Canada brings a distinguished tradition of leadership in science, public health, and international engagement. Canada joins a community of member countries united by the belief that protecting and promoting health is a shared responsibility, and that vaccines remain one of the most effective tools we have to improve lives and strengthen societies.”

Dr. Jerome H. Kim, Director General of IVI, said: “We are honored to welcome Canada into the IVI family. At a time when infectious diseases, climate-related health threats, and emerging epidemics increasingly transcend borders, Canada’s accession demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in protecting global health. Canada brings added strength and momentum to IVI’s shared mission as the first G7 country to join. We look forward to deepening collaboration with Canada’s outstanding scientific institutions and public health leaders in pursuit of a healthier, safer, and more equitable world.”

Canada becomes the 43rd member state of IVI —comprising both parties and signatories— joining a growing community of countries committed to advancing vaccine innovation, equitable access, and international collaboration in support of global health.

The IVI Establishment Agreement remains open for accession by states or intergovernmental organizations.

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About the International Vaccine Institute

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is an independent international organization originally established at the initiative of the United Nations Development Programme in 1997. Its mission is to discover, develop, and deliver safe, effective, and affordable vaccines—empowering vaccine equity, impact, and sustainability globally.

IVI’s current portfolio includes vaccines in multiple stages of pre-clinical and clinical development targeting infectious diseases that significantly impact low- and middle-income countries, including cholera, typhoid fever, chikungunya, shigellosis, salmonellosis, schistosomiasis, hepatitis E, HPV- and group A strep-related diseases, and COVID-19. IVI developed the world’s first low-cost oral cholera vaccine and a new-generation typhoid conjugate vaccine, both pre-qualified by the World Health Organization (WHO).

IVI is headquartered in Seoul, Republic of Korea with a Europe Regional Office in Sweden, an Africa Regional Office in Rwanda, a Country Office in Austria, and a Country and Project Office in Kenya. IVI additionally co-founded the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute in Hong Kong and hosts Collaborating Centers in Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Madagascar. 43 countries and the WHO are members of IVI, and the governments of the Republic of Korea, Sweden, India, Finland, Austria, and Thailand provide state funding. For more information, please visit https://www.ivi.int.

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Contact

Kevin Keen, Head of Communications
kevin.keen@ivi.int