Global health and foreign policy A/RES/67/81 the principle of social inclusion, in order to enhance their ability to realize their right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health; 15. Urges Governments, civil society organizations and international organizations to promote the inclusion of universal health coverage as an important element on the international development agenda and in the implementation of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals, as a means of promoting sustained, inclusive and equitable growth, social cohesion and well-being of the population and achieving other milestones for social development, such as education, work income and household financial security; Sustainable financing mechanisms for universal health coverage 16. Calls upon Member States to ensure that health financing systems evolve so as to avoid significant direct payments at the point of delivery and include a method for prepayment of financial contributions for health care and services as well as a mechanism to pool risks among the population in order to avoid catastrophic health-care expenditure and impoverishment of individuals as a result of seeking the care needed; 17. Acknowledges that the choice of a health financing system should be made within the particular context of each country; 18. Recognizes that improving social protection towards universal coverage is an investment in people that empowers them to adjust to changes in the economy and in the labour market and helps to support a transition to a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable economy; 19. Emphasizes that Governments should provide those who do not have sufficient means with the necessary financial risk protection and health-care facilities without discrimination; 20. Recognizes the important role of national and subnational legislative and executive bodies, as applicable, in further reforms of health financing systems with a view to moving towards universal health coverage; 21. Encourages Member States, in collaboration with other stakeholders where applicable, to plan or pursue the transition of their health systems towards universal coverage, while continuing to invest in and strengthen health-delivery systems to increase and safeguard the range and quality of services and to adequately meet the health needs of the population; 22. Calls for strengthening collaboration among Member States, in particular through the World Health Organization, through technical assistance and the sharing of best practices as well as working with partners, including civil society, to promote effective implementation of universal health coverage on the basis of solidarity at national and international levels; 23. Acknowledges that when managing the transition of the health system to universal coverage, each option will need to be developed within the particular epidemiological, economic, sociocultural, political and structural context of each country in accordance with the principle of national ownership; 5/6