Harry and Meghan call for vaccine equity at UNGA 2021

Royals also attend star-studded concert in New York's Central Park

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak during the 2021 Global Citizen Live concert in New York. Photo: AFP

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, on Saturday took their plea for global coronavirus vaccine equity to the UN General Assembly in New York.

The royals spoke with UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed. All three appeared later at a Global Citizen Live concert in New York’s Central Park highlighting poverty in the world.

Ms Mohammed commended the royals and praised the priorities they share with the UN, including climate change, women’s economic empowerment, youth engagement and mental health.

Meghan and Harry pressed for vaccine equity during the star-studded, 24-hour concert. It featured performances staged in cities including New York, Paris, Lagos and Seoul.

The UN is in the midst of the annual General Assembly gathering of world leaders, though the couple didn’t participate in the speeches in the assembly hall.

The visit by the Sussexes is not their first encounter with the UN.

Meghan has been involved with the UN women’s agency, becoming an advocate for political participation and leadership several years ago. Harry visited the children’s agency, Unicef, in New York in 2010.