COVID-19 Global fundraising Meeting Raises $6.9 Billion
Countries pledged a total of $6.9 Billion at COVID-19 Global fundraising Meeting
Around 6.15 billion euros ($6.9 billion) was raised to fight COVID-19 in a global fundraising meeting, from the European Commission, the United States, and numerous countries including Germany, Canada, and Qatar. World leaders emphasize that when a vaccine is ready, it should be made available to all those in need.
The European Commission along with the European Investment Bank pledged 4.9 billion euros ($5.50 billion), Qatar pledged $10 million, Canada pledged C$300 million ($219 million), Germany pledged 383 million euros, and the United States pledged $545 million. In the summit, around forty governments took part.
This money will be used to support the world’s poorest and most marginalized communities, for COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, and tests.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that she is to convince high-income countries to make the vaccines not only for themselves but also for middle and low-income countries as everyone who needs a vaccine must have access to it.
British Premier Boris Johnson said, “As world leaders, we have a moral duty to ensure that the vaccine is truly available to all, if and when
an effective vaccine is found.”French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Let’s continue to move forward together; let’s refuse every man for himself approach.” One of the hardest-hit countries by the COVID-19 pandemic, Italy, echoed his sentiment.
In contrast to the United States and China’s focus on national initiatives, in efforts to control and end the pandemic, the European Union is championing global cooperation.
A globally televised and streamed fundraising concert featuring Shakira, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Chloe X Halle, Justin Bieber, and others was included in the pledging summit, part of a joint initiative by the EU executive and advocacy group Global Citizen.
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COVID-19 Global fundraising Meeting Raises $6.9 Billion
Countries pledged a total of $6.9 Billion at COVID-19 Global fundraising Meeting
