Why Global Citizens Should Care
The COVID-19 pandemic cannot end until all countries have access to lifesaving vaccine doses. Initiatives like COVAX can ensure COVID-19 vaccines reach every person that needs them, but not without support from government leaders, corporations, philanthropists, and Global Citizens everywhere demanding vaccine equity. Join us by taking action to end the pandemic here.

When superstar Selena Gomez sends a tweet to her 65 million followers, it’s not a surprise that she gets results.

That’s exactly what happened this week when Gomez tweeted at Global Citizen partner Cisco as part of the VAX LIVE campaign, calling on the tech company to stand up for COVID-19 vaccine equity.

Cisco’s CEO Chuck Robbins wasted no time in responding to her call to action, saying that Cisco would be committing $5 million to COVAX, the vaccine pillar of the ACT-Accelerator, to make sure frontline workers have access to vaccines. This is part of Cisco’s Inclusive Recovery efforts, through which technological advancements are helping hospitals and frontline workers keep communities safe.

This commitment led to a chain-reaction of progress in the fight against COVID-19. An anonymous Swiss Foundation donor agreed to match Cisco’s contribution. Then, Cisco’s Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer and Global Citizen board co-chair Fran Katsoudas reiterated Cisco’s commitment to ending COVID-19 for all, and challenged The Coca-Cola Foundation to step up.

The Coca-Cola Foundation delivered, and announced it will donate $500,000 to support COVAX. 

Combined with a commitment from the Analog Devices Foundation for $1 million to COVAX, these commitments total $11.5 million and will allow for the purchase of 2.3 million vaccine doses for health workers on the front lines.

These commitments and more will be celebrated on May 8 as part of VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World. 

Hosted by multi-platinum recording artist, actress, and producer Selena Gomez, the VAX LIVE broadcast special will feature musical performances by Jennifer Lopez, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters, J Balvin, and H.E.R. Special guests from around the world will also speak about the importance of vaccine equity, including President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Ben Affleck, Chrissy Teigen, David Letterman, Gayle King, Jimmy Kimmel, Nomzamo Mbatha, Olivia Munn, and Sean Penn.

VAX LIVE will take place at SoFI Stadium in Los Angeles, California, and air on Saturday, May 8, on ABC, ABC News Live, CBS, YouTube, and iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations and the iHeartRadio App, starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT and 7 p.m. CT. It will also air on FOX at 11 p.m. ET/PT and AXS TV. 

The concert will air internationally on Globo in Brazil, Caracol in Colombia, SABC in South Africa, and MultiChoice across Africa. As the exclusive global streaming partner, YouTube will stream an extended version of VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World on the Global Citizen channel, which will include newly announced exclusive performances from Foo Fighters, Eddie Vedder, and J Balvin, as well as additional appearances by NCT 127 and Picture This and YouTube creators Daniel El Travieso, Kati Morton, ShootforLove, Thembe Mahlaba, and The Try Guys.

Learn more and take action here.

As part of Global Citizen’s Recovery Plan for the World campaign, VAX LIVE: The Concert to Reunite the World will bring together artists, entertainers, world leaders, and more to ensure equitable vaccine distribution around the world, tackle COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and celebrate a hopeful future. 

Find out how to tune in here, and join us in taking action to end the pandemic and ensure that everyone, everywhere has access to COVID-19 vaccines. Then, head to our multimedia hub VAX BECAUSE to join candid conversations about the pandemic, and find answers to your biggest questions about the vaccines.

Want to take home part of the show? Check out our VAX LIVE merch at the Global Citizen official store. 

TopicsImpactCiscoSelena GomezCokeCOVAXVaccine EquityRecovery Plan for the WorldThe Coca-Cola Companyaccess to covid-19 vaccinesVAX LIVE

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