Press Release - Luxembourg Foundations meet to respond to the COVID-19 crisis

With representatives mainly from financial foundations, but also from a number of NGOs and Luxembourg research bodies, this round table provided an opportunity to discuss the initiatives taken and the challenges ahead in relation to the pandemic.

The discussions highlighted the high level of responsiveness shown by the Luxembourg players, who quickly coordinated to provide practical solutions to emergency situations. This led, for example, to the setting up of a Task Force bringing together all those involved in research in Luxembourg with different specialities, to help in the fight against COVID-19, in coordination with the Ministry of Health. Other initiatives have been set up to ensure that TYVEK 600+ protective clothing is manufactured in Luxembourg to equip nursing staff in Luxembourg hospitals, in partnership with the Fondation Hôpitaux Robert Schuman and the brand new Fondation COVID-19, under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg. Lastly, a number of social initiatives have been launched, including programmes to break the isolation of the elderly and vulnerable, and to help the homeless. Coordination between Caritas and the Red Cross has also been put in place to develop the range of social grocery services in line with developments in the health crisis.

Over and above the challenges posed at local level, the risk of the disease spreading to developing countries has also been raised, with the need to support preventive actions, whose role remains essential in order to avoid a humanitarian disaster. Similarly, many questions are already being asked about the liquidity problems facing microfinance players in these countries, as well as how to resume the projects supported, which have now been suspended as a result of the worldwide containment.

All agreed that it is necessary to find a good balance between responding to local needs, while continuing to work with populations in developing countries or in conflict situations, as well as in refugee camps.

In conclusion, Tonika Hirdman, Director General of the Fondation de Luxembourg, emphasised: ‘While actions focused on the short term are essential, it is very important to prepare for the end of the crisis, which will undeniably have made the most vulnerable people more vulnerable and given rise to new needs on the part of people who, until now, did not have the need for them’.

Faced with these challenges, foundations are taking a reassuring stance, as they are generally tending to continue their usual commitments while making exceptional donations to meet crisis-related needs. Luxembourg's philanthropic sector is thus demonstrating that in the fight against the consequences of COVID-19, its members remain united.