King delivers remarks at global COVID-19 pledging conference, says failure not an option in countering pandemic

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed that chances of success against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic increase exponentially when countries work in partnership, building each other’s capacities and bolstering cooperation, rather than competing.

Delivering remarks at the Coronavirus Global Response pledging conference organised by the European Union and attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah reiterated that failure against COVID-19 is not an option, according to a Royal Court statement.

During the conference, attended by several heads of state and representatives, His Majesty called for a better-integrated world and a new approach of “re-globalisation” that would bolster international cooperation and safeguard the wellbeing of peoples as a top priority.

Following is the full text of the King’s remarks, delivered via teleconference:

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

Madam President,

Your Excellencies,

Dear Friends,

It is a privilege to be part of this global effort to respond to COVID-19. And we truly appreciate the EU’s leading role in promoting global solidarity to counter this pandemic.

The past months dealing with COVID-19 have shown us that we all need each other to survive. The lessons we learn must help us seek a better integration of our world, a “re-globalisation” that sees relations based on building capacities, ushering cooperation and putting the wellbeing of all peoples first.

Only through this integration can we bring about a positive interdependence, tapping into skills and resources across national boundaries. And this will enable us to expedite the process of finding solutions and addressing shortages in each country in medical equipment and supplies. Ultimately, we will be better able to live up to our responsibility as an international community to ensure every individual, across countries and continents, has equal and equitable access to a vaccine, once available.

In my region, failure is not an option. With ongoing crises, conflict and unemployment, the risks are way too high. And we cannot forget that those that are most vulnerable in such difficult times are people such as refugees and displaced communities.

In Jordan, protecting refugees from COVID-19 is a priority. And while the lockdown has exacerbated our economic difficulties, our quick action has thankfully helped suppress the spread of the virus. And this has meant that we have been ready to provide support where possible, offering PPEs to neighbours and friends experiencing shortages. But at the same time, we do rely on our friends for support to address our own shortages, such as ventilators and testing kits.

Our chances of success increase exponentially if we partner to build capacities within each of our countries and, more importantly, cooperate rather than compete.

Thank you very much, Madam President.”

The conference is aimed at mobilising global efforts and funds to kick-start global cooperation to develop and deploy effective diagnostics, treatments and a vaccine to COVID-19, while ensuring equitable and equal access to them by all countries.

Over 40 countries, including Jordan, participated in the conference. Participants included Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, the UK, Norway, Italy, Canada, Japan, Spain, South Africa, Rwanda, Malaysia and representatives of international organisations working in the field of healthcare and vaccine development, in addition to the World Health Organisation, non-profit organisations and the United Nations secretary general.