Ursula von der Leyen · "The pandemic has shown us that no one is safe until everyone is safe. This is..."

G20 Summit remarks on global vaccine equity, 2021 · Checked on 16 March 2026

The pandemic has shown us that no one is safe until everyone is safe. This is why we need a global approach to vaccination, and this is why Europe is one of the leading contributors to COVAX.

Analysis

At the G20 summit in Rome (October 2021), EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that "no one is safe until everyone is safe" and called for a global vaccination approach. Official EU communications and the G20 transcript confirm these remarks. The European Union pledged over €7 billion to COVAX in 2021, making it one of the leading donors alongside the United States and the United Kingdom.

Background

COVAX, the global vaccine-sharing initiative co-led by Gavi, the WHO, and CEPI, relies on contributions from high‑income countries to fund vaccine procurement for low‑income nations. The EU’s financial commitments and pooled procurement mechanisms have positioned it among the top contributors in 2021.

Verdict summary

The statement accurately reflects Ursula von der Leyen's remarks and Europe’s status as a top COVAX contributor.

Sources consulted

— European Commission press release, 30 Oct 2021 – "EU leaders reaffirm commitment to global vaccine equity" (https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_21_5541)

— G20 Rome summit communiqué, 2021 – Remarks by Ursula von der Leyen (https://www.g20.org/en/summit-rome-2021/press-releases/)

— WHO COVAX donor tracker, 2021 – EU contribution data (https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax/donor-tracker)