MONTREAL – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on the world to donate money for the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
He opened an international donor conference in Montreal on Friday in hopes of raising $13 billion to replenish the Global Fund for the fight against the three major infectious diseases.
READ MORE: U2’s Bono asking Justin Trudeau to consider UN foreign aid goal
Trudeau said AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis kill roughly 8,000 people every day, with girls and women in developing countries being hardest hit.
“This replenishment conference is a pivotal moment for our global community,” he said. “And a challenge of this magnitude requires a united, sustained commitment.
“Gone are the days of isolationism. The Global Fund is a great example of what can happen when we collaborate in pursuit of a larger goal.”
READ MORE: Justin Trudeau, Bill Gates to attend world health concert in Montreal
Trudeau also told the audience the world must do everything it can to eradicate poverty and sexism.
“Our societies cannot succeed without the full participation – and empowerment – of women and girls,” he said.
The prime minister is hosting the two-day event, which includes UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, rock star Bono and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates.
The event is designed to show Canadian leadership on the international stage ahead of what is expected to be Trudeau’s first address to the United Nations General Assembly next week.
Trudeau says Canada has already pledged $800 million
Comments