The 2024 World Conference on Traditional Medicine concluded in Beijing on December 4. Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Beijing, presided over the closing ceremony. Zeng Yixin, Vice Minister of the National Health Commission, delivered a speech.

Zeng stated that China will actively translate the outcomes of the conference into concrete actions, collaborating with other countries to finalize and implement the WHO Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine (2025-2034), ultimately building a global community of health for all. China is ready to share its experience in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) development and expand its health services to benefit more people in various nations and regions. By leveraging modern technological methods, we aim to further explore the scientific mechanisms behind traditional medicine and promote the interpretation and development of traditional medicine through modern science. Zeng also stressed the importance of collaboration in integrating traditional medicine into global health governance and innovation, as well as mutual learning among civilizations, bringing TCM closer to people in different countries. All nations are welcome to visit China and showcase the unique cultural charm of their traditional medicine, fostering people-to-people exchange through this medium.

Rudi Eggers, Director for Integrated Health Services in the WHO, addressed the event. The closing ceremony also featured the release of the Beijing Declaration of the 2024 World Traditional Medicine Conference, which introduced the traditional medicine talent exchange and capacity-building program, and the international scientific research cooperation initiative. The attendees pledged to make every effort to support the formulation and implementation of the WHO Global Strategy for Traditional Medicine (2025-2034), collectively advancing the growth of traditional medicine. The traditional medicine talent exchange and capacity building program, established by the Chinese government, will offer TCM academic qualification education and training to foreign traditional medicine practitioners, administrators, and those engaged in Western medicine clinical work but aspiring to learn TCM. Regarding the international scientific research cooperation initiative for traditional medicine, China will conduct sci-tech innovation exchanges and transfer collaboration with relevant countries, regions, international organizations, and multilateral mechanisms in areas such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and evidence-based traditional medicine research. The goal is to enhance the role of traditional medicine in the global health system.

Yu Yanhong, Head of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Zeng Jin, Secretary-General of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, were also present.

(Written by Yang Qi)