Saudi Arabia, which holds the G20 presidency, announced in a statement on Saturday that G20 members and invited countries have committed to pledge more than 21 billion US dollars to support the international response to COVID-19.

Labourers work at a construction site in the Saudi capital Riyadh on June 6, 2020, as lockdown measures are eased amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: AFP)

"The G20, with invited countries, has coordinated the global efforts to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, G20 members and invited countries have pledged over $21 billion to support funding in global health," the group said in a statement.

The pledges will be directed towards diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and research and development, the statement said. G20 members and invited countries have also provided humanitarian assistance to low-income countries and invested heavily in strengthening their health systems.

Saudi Arabia, the current G20 chair, called on the international community to continue efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and be fully prepared to avoid greater negative impacts on global economy, society and health.