Addis Ababa, April 28, 2020 (FBC) –Ethiopia’s President Sahle-Work Zewde has joined “Rise for All”, a new initiative that brought together women leaders to mobilize support for the UN Recovery Trust Fund and the UN roadmap for social and economic recovery from COVID-19 pandemic.
The first to join the initiative are President Sahle-Work Zewde, Norwegian PM Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley and other Executive Directors of UN agencies.
“Rise for All” is the United Nations Secretary-General’s initiative which calls for solidarity and urgent action in response to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19.
In her remarks, the President said “This is a global crisis. Delay in action means death. We all face the same enemy and we stand to gain by bringing the full force of humanity together to fight it. There cannot be victory over the virus in one, or some countries alone. … I stand in support of the United Nations Secretary General’s appeal for solidarity.”
The Fund aims to mobilize $1 billion over the first nine months, and $2 billion over two years, to support low-and middle-income countries, including Small Island Developing States and vulnerable groups such as women and children who are disproportionately bearing the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic.
The Netherlands yesterday announced an initial contribution of $16.6 million to the Fund, following in the footsteps of Norway and Denmark, who have thus far pledged $14.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
Over the coming weeks, more women leaders, including from the political, multilateral and business sectors, are expected to join the initiative.