World leaders pledge $8B to fight coronavirus

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) - More than $8 billion has been pledged to fight the deadly coronavirus worldwide, European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday.

This sum means today’s international Coronavirus Global Response conference could reach its goal to mobilize at least $8 billion for diagnostics, treatment, and vaccines.

“Today the world showed extraordinary unity for the common good,” von der Leyen said, praising governments and global health organizations for joining forces.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was among the world leaders taking part in the conference, pledging to contribute to the cause with a sum to be determined later this month.

Von der Leyen also warned that the donor conference was only the beginning of the pledge “marathon” that needs to continue.

She said she expects civil society and people worldwide “to join in a global mobilization of hope and resolve.”

The initiative aims at developing coronavirus vaccines that can be accessible to everyone as a worldwide public good.

State and business leaders from all around the globe, as well as international organizations, offered support in the form of grants and loans.

The EU as an international organization offered €1 billion ($1.09 billion) for the cause, while its member states also contributed.

The two biggest European donors were France and Germany who pledged €500 million ($546 million) and €525 million ($547 million), respectively.

China also offered $50 million, Japan $830 million, and Canada $600 million.