From November 13th to 16th, the Founding Dean of Tsinghua Vanke School of Public Health (VSPH), and the Emeritus Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Margaret Chan, led the VSPH delegation to visit local universities, United Nations agencies, international organizations, and the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. The primary objective was to actively engage in cultural exchanges between universities and enhancing collaboration in education, research, and public health initiatives, aligning with the implementation of Tsinghua University's 2030 Global Strategy.
The delegation visits Campus Biotech
On November 13th, the delegation visited the Campus Biotech, exploring the Human Neuroscience Platform, the SDG Solution Space and Campus Biotech Innovation Park. The delegation gained insights into UNIGE's initiatives towards achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs), innovative education initiatives, and support for entrepreneurial endeavors. Francois Grey, the director of the Geneva-Tsinghua Initiative (GTI), provided guidance during the visit.
the delegation visited WHO
On November 14th, the delegation visited the WHO, engaging in discussions with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General, and other officials covering various health-related areas. Conversations revolved around the progress of VSPH in global health, maternal, newborn, child & adolescent health, aging, health workforce, environmental health, and student training.
Margaret Chan highlighted the pivotal role of the WHO in guiding and coordinating health matters within the UN system. Strengthening collaboration with the WHO was emphasized as crucial for the development of Tsinghua University's public health discipline and accurate understandings of global health trends for VSPH.
Maragret Chan engages in discussions with students at UNIGE
On the same day, Margaret Chan delivered a keynote speech at UNIGE titled "One Planet, One Health, Our Common Goods," addressing topics such as climate change and pandemics. Chan explored strategies for promoting "Universal Health Coverage" and ensuring accessibility and affordability of vaccines and medicines as public resources. Following the speech, Chan engaged in discussions with students from Tsinghua University and UNIGE on our common challenges in global health.
The delegation meets with WMO
On November 15th, the delegation visited the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), holding discussions with Secretary-General Petteri Taalas and Assistant Secretary-General Zhang Wenjian. Both parties acknowledged climate change as the most serious challenge facing humanity in the 21st century, with significant impacts on health and socio-economic welfare. They expressed hope for enhanced collaboration to raise awareness and explore innovative solutions.
Prof. Stephanie Dagron from the Global Health Research Institute of UNIGE delivers presentation
The delegation also conducted academic exchanges with the Global Health Institute of UNIGE. The two parties discussed their latest research progress. Further discussions covered collaborative research, student and faculty exchanges, global classrooms, the Global Coalition of Deans of Schools of Public Health, and high-level international conferences.
The delegation visits the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland
On November 16th, the delegation visited the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland and exchanged views with Ambassador Chen Xu. Ambassador Chen warmly welcomed the delegation's visit and highly praised the achievements of VSPH since its establishment. He encouraged the school to play a leading role in higher education, continue to contribute to international cooperation in the field of health. Margaret Chan shared her insights on the development, key research directions, and international cooperation progress of the school.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Global Fund and engaged in talks with Françoise Vanni, the director of External Relations and Communications at the Global Fund. Discussions focused on technological innovation in the health industry, capacity building, and addressing challenges in climate change and health. Collaboration opportunities were further explored during the meeting.
The VSPH delegation includes Vice Dean Wang Kaibo, Associate Professors Tang Kun, Zhu Jiming and Di Qian, Assistant Professor Wang Sijiu, and Global Affairs Manager Li Tian. VSPH master’s students Liu Youjia and Zhang Tingkai, currently studying at the University of Geneva, also participated in the visit.
