Themed "Health beyond Health - In the Year of Sustainable Development 2030" and with the goal of "Health for All" advocated by the United Nations and WHO, the 2nd Boao Forum for Asia Global Health Forum (GHF) was held in Qingdao, Shandong Province, from June 1 to 4 this year. Two plenary sessions and a number of sub-forums were held to explore "Universal Health Coverage", "Innovation for Health" and "Health in All Policies". The forum brought together scholars, dignitaries, and industry experts in the field of global health to exchange ideas on pressing issues.
Dr. Margaret Chan, the Dean of Tsinghua Vanke School of Public Health and Health, and the Chairperson of GHF, participated in the opening ceremony, plenary sessions, and press conferences, as well as several other events on the sidelines of the 2nd GHF.
In the opening press conference, Dr. Chan advocated that COVID-19 should not be politicized, adding that the safety and health of the people should be what we attach most importance to. confronting such a severe global pandemic, people around the world should work together with solidarity, openness and inclusiveness through common actions and strive for common development, Chan strengthened in her opening remark.
As one of the important events of the 2nd GHF, Institute for China Sustainable Urbanization of Tsinghua University (“ICSU”) and Vanke School of Public Health of Tsinghua University (“VSPH”) jointly released the Tsinghua Urban Health and Environment Index on June 3. Focusing on "healthy environment", the Index is aimed to provide strongly scientific support for decision-making of government leaders, to improve people’s awareness of ecological health, and to accelerate the realization of "universal health coverage". Professor Liang Wannian, the Executive Vice Dean of VSPH delivered remarks during a press conference, followed by an introduction to the findings of the Index given by Dr. Li Dong, Senior Researcher of ICSU.
Other panel sessions and academic activities also witnessed an active participation of VSPH. Professor Wang Yu, the consultant of GHF as well as the Distinguished Visiting Professor at VSPH, organized the Session of “Universal Health Coverage—Viral Hepatitis Elimination Initiative”. Professor Wang Yu also attended the Session themed "Health in All Policies -- 2021 Forum on UN Sustainable Development Goals", sharing his insights on the significance of WHO’s vaccine prequalification. Professor Liang Wannian, Executive Vice Dean of VSPH, delivered a keynote speech at the sub-forum of "Universal Health Coverage—Towards a System Approach to Universal Health Coverage with Stronger Primary Health Care", underlining the importance of a systematic approach of achieving universal health coverage and the training of public health talents. Dr. Chen Runsen, an Assistant Professor at VSPH, organized and moderated the Session "Universal Health Coverage—Dual Approach for Health: Epidemic Control and Mental Health Support", which attracted more than one million views online.
“Global health has become a key priority for the sustainable development of human society”, concluded by Dr. Chan at the closing press conference. She conveyed a commitment that GHF will continue to closely follow global developments and to promote international cooperation and innovation in health, so as to contribute to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
