Prince Harry makes a passionate speech for COVID-19 vaccine equity during a star-studded concert

During a speech at the star-studded Vax Live concert, Prince Harry called for universal access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Duke of Sussex was one of numerous high-profile public figures who participated in the event, which was taped Sunday (May. 02, 2021) at Los Angeles’ new SoFi Stadium and will air to the public this coming Saturday (May. 08, 2021).

“We are at a defining moment in the global fight against COVID-19,” the 36-year-old said in his speech. “Tonight is a celebration of each of you here – the vaccinated frontline workers in the audience and the millions of frontline heroes around the world.”

Prince Harry Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World — Co-Chair Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks onstage during the taping of the “Vax Live” fundraising concert at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on May 2, 2021. – The fundraising concert “Vax Live: The Concert To Reunite The World”, put on by international advocacy organization Global Citizen, is pushing businesses to “donate dollars for doses,” and for G7 governments to share excess vaccines. The concert will be pre-taped on May 2 in Los Angeles, and will stream on YouTube along with American television networks ABC and CBS on May 8. (Photo by VALERIE MACON / AFP) (Photo by VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

“You spent the last year battling courageously and selflessly to protect us all. You served and scarified, put yourselves in harm's way and with bravery knowing the costs. We owe you an incredible depth of gratitude. Thank you.”

Harry said onstage that the coronavirus pandemic “cannot end unless we act collectively with an unprecedented commitment to our shared humanity.”

“The vaccine must be distributed to everyone everywhere,” Harry continued. “We cannot rest or truly recover until there is fair distribution to every corner of the world. The mission in front of us is one we cannot afford to fail out and that’s what tonight is about. The virus does not respect borders and access to the vaccine cannot be determined by geography. It must be accepted as a basic right for all and that is our starting point.”

“None of us should be comfortable thinking that we could be fine when so many others are suffering. In reality – and especially with this pandemic – when any suffer, we all suffer. We must look beyond ourselves with empathy and compassion for those we know, and those we don't. We need to lift up all of humanity and make sure that no person or community is left behind. What we do in this moment will stand in history and tonight, we stand in solidarity with the millions of families across India who are battling a devastating second wave.”

Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World will air and livestream on May 8 on ABC, ABC News Live, CBS, YouTube, Fox, AXS TV and iHeartMedia broadcast radio stations and the iHeartRadio App. An extended 90-version version will stream on Global Citizen’s YouTube channel.