For the first time, WHO has formally engaged philanthropic and other institutions in the Republic of Korea beyond the Government, in a high-level partnership forum convened in Seoul. The event brought together more than 60 participants, including leaders of local, regional and global foundations and artificial intelligence (AI), digital health and biohealth institutions based in the Republic of Korea, as well as the WHO Foundation and the Institute of Philanthropy.
The Forum looked at how the Republic of Korea, an increasingly important contributor to global health, can bring its experience and innovation to WHO’s work.
In his keynote address, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted Korea’s growing role in global health: “Together, we can turn Korea’s strengths into better health for people far beyond Korea’s borders,” he said. Lee Hyung Hoon, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, delivered welcome remarks, appreciating the importance of strong partnerships for better health.
The programme included three sessions:
- Global health partnerships: a presentation by the Seoul National University (SNU) Center for Social Innovation and Impact, followed by a discussion with leading social contribution institutions.
- AI and digital health: a presentation by Dr Alain Labrique, Director, Data, Digital Health and AI, WHO, followed by a discussion with Korea’s leading AI and digital health experts and institutions.
- Climate and health, and health workforce: presentations by the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health (WHO ACE), the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) and the Korea RIGHT Foundation.
The Forum laid the groundwork for lasting partnerships between WHO and Korean institutions. In closing remarks, Dr Gaudenz Silberschmidt, Director, Partnerships and Financing at WHO, spoke on the significance of the partnership between WHO and the Republic of Korea.
Building on this momentum, WHO will continue its efforts to broaden and deepen partnerships across Asia.