Press release

Commonwealth stands together on the global response to coronavirus

The Prime Minister has issued a joint statement alongside 53 Commonwealth Heads of Government, vowing to stand together against the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

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The statement says the Commonwealth is committed to protect the health of all 2.4 billion of its citizens by improving access to essential health services and safe, effective and affordable medicines and vaccines for all, particularly the most vulnerable and high-risk populations.

They will work with international partners to address the global threat from the pandemic, supporting the G20 and International Financial Institutions’ action plans to tackle the crisis. This includes protecting employment opportunities, particularly for the Commonwealth’s 1.2 billion young people.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

It is imperative we stick together in times of uncertainty, which is why the UK is proud to stand with the Commonwealth family in the fight against Coronavirus.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said

We warmly welcome the commitment of all members of the Commonwealth to contribute to the global health response, protect vulnerable countries and support the global economy.

The UK and the Commonwealth family will continue to champion inclusion, protecting and strengthening initiatives which promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, such as 12 years of quality education for all.

Further information

The joint statement is available here

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Published 16 July 2020