A generation of children, especially girls, have left school and will not return. There will be a continued economic impact, with all the human suffering that brings. The fallout from the pandemic will be with us for a long time to come. For some countries this will sharply increase poverty and suffering. 'In 2021, the world economy is facing the worst downturn since 1945. We work closely with those affected by conflict, disaster and famine, and know the immense challenges they face – but also of their resilience even in the worst of situations.

Those of us who have signed this declaration represent organizations with roots in communities across the world. 'Variants of the virus, potentially more infectious and resistant to vaccines, will continue to threaten us if they are not controlled now. No country in the world has been untouched. 'The impact of a catastrophe like the COVID-19 pandemic is measured in the tragedy of individual loss and death, as well as the national and global disruption to almost every part of life. The effects will be felt on a global scale for years to come. These inequalities have been exposed and exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic, both between and within countries. In many cases this has caused us to reflect on those longer injustices that have perpetuated in parts of the world where the pandemic is yet another layer of misery, instability and unrest. COVID-19 has been a truly global crisis in which we all have shouldered a burden. Or it can be one of conflict, insecurity and poverty.

The world of the next 10 years can be one of greater justice, abundance and dignity. GENEVA, 23 May 2021 – 'Equitable vaccine distribution is a humanitarian imperative

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