Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opened a major United Nations' conference this morning saying a co-ordinated response is necessary for the global economy to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The UN estimates without such a plan, the pandemic could slash nearly $8.5 trillion from the world economy over the next two years and force 34.3 million people into extreme poverty this year.

Trudeau told more than 50 heads of state and government that "our citizens need to have confidence in international institutions that leave no one behind and are capable of overcoming global challenges."

Earlier this week, Trudeau argued that ensuring poorer countries survive the crisis is not just the right thing to do, it's in Canada's own self-interest.

He says Canadian jobs and businesses depend on stable and productive economies in other countries, so it matters how other nations weather the COVID-19 storm.

The conference will address six urgent areas of action to mobilize the financing needed for a global recovery, including expanding liquidity in the global economy and maintaining financial stability and involving private-sector creditors in recovery plans.