Coronavirus tops G20 agenda

By Nathan Morley

At the virtual summit, organized by Saudi Arabia, the UN Secretary-General will tell G20 leaders to support global mechanisms striving to make any COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics affordable and accessible to anyone, anywhere, who needs them.

Speaking prior to the event, António Guterres called for solidarity and cooperation.

“The recent breakthroughs on COVID-19 vaccines offer a ray of hope. But that ray of hope needs to reach everyone. That means ensuring that vaccines are treated as a global public good - a people’s vaccine accessible and affordable to everyone, everywhere,” he said.

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the G20 committed in March to do whatever it takes to overcome the pandemic and protect lives and livelihoods.

‘As we meet this weekend, we must hold ourselves to account for that promise,’ he added.

During their two-day summit, participants will also debate climate change and global trade.

World leaders – including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian leader Vladimir Putin – are expected to address the summit.

U.S. President Donald Trump will participate from the White House.