Ursula von der Leyen announces the Coronavirus Global Response conference on 4 May
The European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen has announced the Coronavirus Global Response, an online pledging conference on 4 May to kick-start the global cooperation in science and research against COVID-19.
The online conference will be co-hosted by the European Commission and the World Health Organization (WHO) as they seek to raise funds to develop fast and equitable access to safe, quality, effective and affordable diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines against coronavirus.
The Commission is inviting governments, business leaders, public figures, philanthropists, artists and citizens to raise awareness about this global pledging effort. The funds collected will be channelled into three strands: diagnostics, treatments and vaccines.
The conference was announced by von der Leyen in a joint press conference with world leaders, and representatives from organisations leading the response to the pandemic. During the conference von de Leyen welcomed the expertise and experience brought to the table by organisations such as the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board, the World Health Organization and EFC members, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust.