Amidst the global outbreak of COVID-19, Aurora and its partners and supporters spread solidarity by sharing with the world their messages of humanity and compassion. Below is the op-ed written by Veronique Peterbroeck, Managing Director of Fondation Jean-Francois Peterbroeck.

“What if this virus had the enormous gift of reminding us of what is really essential to us?

What if it tries to remind us of the forgotten values behind our ambitions?”

“Effets secondaires” by Grand Corps Malade

Without minimizing the magnitude of the catastrophe experienced all over the world, I think that the current situation is an opportunity to be seized. It offers us a momentum to awaken our shared humanity, gain humility and bring solidarity back to the center of our “living together.” We are all affected by the pandemic, without distinction of race, religion, age, nationality, wealth, place of living. Suddenly, we find ourselves in a similar position, united – all in the same boat. This pandemic connects us to our common and primary condition of a “human being”. We will only overcome it together, aware of this condition which binds us universally.

This solidarity has always been at the heart of the activity of the Jean-François Peterbroeck Foundation. We remain, of course, committed to our partners on the ground, providing essential assistance to the authorities to fight the epidemic and its consequences, with all the necessary flexibility.

We know, however, that the end of the confinement period will unfortunately not mark the end of the crisis. And although it is still difficult to assess the economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the JFP Foundation remains prepared to assume the responsibility by defending, more than ever, the values of solidarity and humanity that guide us every day.