Good afternoon, good morning and good evening to everyone watching around the world.
I am delighted to open and welcome you to the Coronavirus Global Response pledging event.
I believe 4 May 2020 will mark a turning point in our fight against the coronavirus. Because today, the world is coming together – governments from every continent will join hands and team up with global health organisations and other experienced partners. The partners are many, the goal is one: to defeat this virus.
The pandemic is affecting every single country in the world. It has brought heartache and heartbreak, pain and suffering to millions of people. It has put enormous strain on healthcare and welfare systems across the globe. It has shut down public life in many parts of the world – keeping us away from our families, friends and the things we love. It has badly hit our economy, putting jobs, livelihoods and businesses at risk.
But it has also brought the best out of humanity. Our modern day heroes are now our healthcare workers. Small acts of solidarity, love and kindness are spreading around the world. And this virus has reminded us that we have to protect each other if we want to protect ourselves.
The reality is that we will have to learn to live with the virus – until and unless we develop a vaccine.
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