On Sunday, May 8, Prince Harry was one of many high profile public figures to take part in the Global Citizen’s VAX Live: the concert to bring the world together event at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
In a moving and well-received speech at the charity concert, the Duke of Sussex called for universal access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
“We are at a crossroads in the global fight against COVID-19. Tonight we celebrate all of you here, the vaccinated frontline workers in the public and the millions of frontline heroes around the world, “he said in his speech.” You have passed the last year to fight with courage and selflessness to protect us all. You have served and sacrificed, you put yourself in danger and courageously knowing the costs. We owe you immense gratitude, thank you.
“But we also unite because this pandemic cannot end if we do not act collectively with an unprecedented commitment to our common humanity,” he continued, “The vaccine must be distributed to everyone all over. We cannot rest or truly recover until there is an equitable distribution to all corners of the world. The mission ahead is one we cannot afford to fail and that is what it is about tonight. The virus does not respect borders and access to the vaccine cannot be determined by geography. It must be accepted as a fundamental right for all and this is our starting point. “
“None of us should be comfortable thinking that we could be okay when so many others are in pain. In reality, and especially with this pandemic, when one person suffers, we all suffer. We need to look beyond ourselves with empathy and compassion for those we know. “, He added.” We must uplift all humanity and make sure that no person or community is left behind. What we do now will go down in history and tonight we stand in solidarity with the millions of families across India who are battling a devastating second wave. “
The charity concert was the Duke’s first public appearance since the funeral of his grandfather Prince Philip and since the explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey aired in March. His wife, Meghan Markle, was not present. The couple are campaign chairmen for Vax Live, the anti-poverty group organized by Global Citizen.
Citizen of the world VAX Live: the concert to bring the world together, will be hosted by Selena Gomez and feature appearances by President Joe Biden with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Ben Affleck, Chrissy Teigen, David Letterman, Gayle King, Jimmy Kimmel, Olivia Munn and Sean Penn.
The concert will be broadcast worldwide on YouTube on Saturday May 8 at 8 / 7c.
