Your Royal Highness, Excellencies, I am pleased to speak on behalf of NEPAD, the African Union Development Agency.
This session deals with the most urgent tasks facing the international community at this moment.
We must end the pandemic through the rapid and equitable distribution of vaccines in every country in the world. And we must chart a pathway back to global growth.
I commend the G20 for mobilising resources for the Access to Covid-19 Tools Accelerator, in particular the COVAX facility. The apparent effectiveness of several vaccine candidates has generated enormous optimism for a return to normality in 2021.
Fully funding COVAX is essential for ensuring that the vaccine is available everywhere. And we cannot forget that strong national health systems are necessary for effective vaccine distribution.
Containing the pandemic permits a return to growth, but does not guarantee it. The ability of countries to finance economic recovery is highly variable. Africa, notably, does not have access to the monetary policy tools in more developed economies.
For that reason, the G20’s continued commitment to the Debt Service Suspension Initiative is of central importance. But this crucial program will not be sufficient. Additional stimulus will be required in developing countries, just as it is in advanced economies.
We must continue to work together to ensure that no one is left behind, as the world recovers from this crisis.
I conclude by commending the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the flawless preparation of this Summit, despite the unique circumstances.
I thank you very much.