SG/SM/20300

United Nations Continues Push for Massive Package to Rescue Most Vulnerable, Affordable ‘People’s Vaccine’, Secretary-General Tells Horasis Forum

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Horasis Forum, held today:

It is a pleasure to greet the renowned Horasis Forum.  As the world confronts the COVID-19 pandemic, I welcome your focus on overcoming the extreme disruptions it has caused.

The virus is the greatest global test since the founding of the United Nations.  It has devastated lives, economies and communities everywhere and undermined our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.  The United Nations continues to push for a massive rescue package for the world’s most vulnerable people and countries, and for a vaccine that is affordable and available to all — a people’s vaccine.  We are also pressing for a global ceasefire to focus on our common enemy:  the virus.

The pandemic also exacerbated many long‑standing inequalities, and exposed global fragilities more generally.  COVID-19 is not only a wake‑up call, it is a dress rehearsal for the world of challenges to come — climate change above all.  As countries rebuild and reset their economies, we must accelerate the transition to renewable energy and achieve net‑zero emissions by 2050.

Against this backdrop, the United Nations this year commemorates its seventy-fifth anniversary and the visionary steps taken by world leaders to recover from a calamitous global war.  Today, we face another foundational moment.  I look forward to working with all partners to build a future of peace, dignity and sustainable development for all on a healthy planet.

Please accept my best wishes for a successful forum.

For information media. Not an official record.