Good morning;
Dr CHOI Yong, the head of the delegation from the Seoul National University;
friends and colleagues.
It is a special honour for me to open this meeting between the JW Lee Centre for Global Medicine and the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific.
Two years ago, I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the centre. After that, last year December, I had the privilege to join the International Symposium for Health Care Development which celebrated the first full year of operation of the centre.
When I attended the symposium last December, I noticed that many distinguished and sincere professors, who are here now, were working with the centre. Also, I found that you are all very serious and willing to devote your time and technical expertise to global health. This was a really delightful moment.
When enjoying my surprise as well as pleasure to you, I had discussed with the Dean of the College of Medicine and the Director of the centre how WPRO could support and collaborate with this enormous group of professors. This was the origin of today’s meeting.
Today, I have to admit that this is very remarkable occasion for me to have all of you, very distinguished professors as well as my friends and colleagues, here in my office and discuss how to foster collaboration between two organizations. Thanks again for accepting my invitation even though all of you are under very busy schedule.
There will be three sessions in today’s meeting. Firstly, our office colleagues will provide overall introduction to WHO and WPRO including country profiles and situation. I believe most of you would be interested in this specific information about low-income countries in the Region. Next, our technical divisions have prepared thematic presentations which will cover key public health issues in the Region. Lastly, we also like to hear from you about your plans and priorities.
I expect a very dynamic and fruitful discussion during the meeting, which will contribute to understanding each other and strengthening collaboration between two organizations.
Again, I appreciate all of your willingness to contribute your technical expertise to global level, especially to low-income countries. And, I dare to say that the centre with your dedicated support will play a leading role in health system development in the Region.
Thank you.