UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (pictured February 2020) said that "global solidarity is in everyone's interests". (AFP/SALVATORE DI NOLFI)

In terms of support for the global economy, Guterres said the focus should be on helping the most vulnerable: low income workers and small and medium-sized businesses.

Financial facilities are needed to support countries in difficulty, he said, adding that the IMF, World Bank and other international institutions have a key role to play. The UN chief noted that this is the time to dismantle trade barriers and re-establish supply chains.