Published on 12:00 AM, June 29, 2020

Global leaders raise $6.9b for vaccine

Bangladesh pledges $50,000 to fundraiser

A global fundraising meeting has raised 6.15 billion euros ($6.9 billion) from the United States, the European Commission and numerous countries including Bangladesh to fight Covid-19, with many participants stressing that an eventual vaccine should be available to anyone who needs it.

The pledging summit, part of a joint initiative by the EU executive and advocacy group Global Citizen, also included a globally televised and streamed fundraising concert featuring Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Chloe X Halle, Usher and others.

The Commission together with the European Investment Bank pledged 4.9 billion euros ($5.50 billion), the United States $545 million, Germany 383 million euros, Canada C$300 million ($219 million)and Qatar $10 million. Forty governments took part in the summit.

Bangladesh has made a contribution of US$50,000 expressing solidarity with the cause.

"I am pleased to announce a contribution of USD 50,000 for supporting development and availability of safe and effective vaccine," said Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen addressing the virtual summit on Saturday.

The money will be used for Covid-19 tests, treatments and vaccines, and also to support the world's poorest and most marginalised communities.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was crucial that everyone who needed it should have access to a vaccine.

"I am trying to convince high-income countries to reserve vaccines not only for themselves but also for low- and middle income countries. This is a stress test for solidarity," she said.

British Premier Boris Johnson concurred.

"If and when an effective vaccine is found, then we as world leaders have moral duty to ensure that it is truly available to all," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron was adamant about pooling efforts together.

"Let's refuse an every man for himself approach, let's continue to move forward together," he said.

Italy, one of the hardest hit by the pandemic, echoed his sentiment.

The EU is championing global cooperation in efforts to control and end the pandemic, in contrast to the United States and China's focus on national initiatives.