Prince Harry called for equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine around the world in a powerful speech delivered on Sunday at a taping of the Global Citizen concert "VAX Live." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are the campaign committee chairs for the event, which is scheduled to air on May 8. According to the official website, the purpose of the concert is to encourage "world leaders to take steps to make vaccines available to all and to end pandemics everywhere and for all."

"Hello everyone. We are at a critical moment in the global struggle against COVID-19. Tonight, I congratulate each and every one of you here, the vaccinated frontline workers in the audience, and the millions of frontline heroes around the world," Harry said at the beginning of his speech at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, People reports (opens in new tab).

"You have fought courageously and selflessly over the past year to protect us all. You have served, you have sacrificed, you have put yourselves in harm's way, and you have fought bravely, knowing the cost. We owe you an incredible and deep debt of gratitude.

"But we are also gathered because we cannot end this pandemic. 'Vaccines must be distributed to everyone in the world. Unless they are distributed equitably to every corner of the world, we will not be able to rest or truly recover. The mission before us is one that cannot be allowed to fail, and that is the purpose of tonight."

"Viruses do not respect borders and access to vaccines is not determined by geographical conditions. It must be accepted as a fundamental right of all people and that is our starting point." [Not a single person should] take the easy way out and think that they might be okay when so many others are suffering," says Harry. In reality, and especially in this pandemic, when someone suffers, we all suffer. We must look beyond ourselves with empathy and compassion for those we know and those we don't."

"We must lift up the entire human race and ensure that no one is left behind," the Duke of Sussex concluded.

"And tonight we stand in solidarity with the millions of families across India who are struggling against a devastating second wave.

In an earlier statement on VAX Live, Meghan and Harry said, "Over the past year, our world has experienced pain, loss, and struggle together. Now we need to heal and recover.

"We cannot leave anyone behind. When vaccines are equally available to everyone, everywhere, we all benefit and are safer," the Sussexes said. 'We must pursue equitable vaccine distribution and thereby restore faith in our common humanity.' This mission has never been more critical and important."

Selena Gomez will host the VAX Live concert (open in new tab), which will feature Jennifer Lopez, H.E.R., J Balvin, Foo Fighters, and Eddie Vedder. The event will feature President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and First Lady Jill Biden, as well as Chrissy Teigen, Gayle King, Ben Affleck, Nomzamo Mbatha, Jimmy Kimmel, Olivia Munn, David Letterman, and Sean Penn.