On July 16, the 3rd Conference of Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia kicked off at the China National Convention Center. The event, which will run through to July 18, features 21 sub-forums and brings together government officials, experts, scholars, and business representatives from over 50 countries and regions. Together, they will share insights and explore development opportunities under the theme “Health Beyond Health - In the Year of Sustainable Development 2030”.
This year’s conference is co-hosted by the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, with three major topics: “Health in All Policies”, “Universal Health”, and “Innovation for Health”. The agenda includes 21 sub-forums, along with multiple roundtables, closed-door dialogues, thematic salons, promotional activities, and special sessions. Participants from over 50 countries and regions, including government officials, heads of international organizations, representatives from multinational businesses, experts, and scholars, will engage in discussions on cutting-edge global health issues in pursuit of a healthy future. The key topics cover healthy cities, AI-enabled big health, new export mechanisms for innovative medicines and medical devices, innovations and practices in reforms of medical insurance payment methods, as well as health promotion and sustainable development.
At yesterday’s press conference, Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, President of Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia, highlighted the progress made by many countries and regions in promoting vaccination, enhancing health education, and improving healthcare facilities. Globally, the incidence and mortality rates of various infectious diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis have decreased notably. At the end of 2020, China eradicated extreme poverty, achieving the poverty reduction target of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.
“This year’s conference adopts a wide-ranging perspective,” said Zhang Jun, Secretary General of the BFA. The 21 sub-forums cover both macro issues such as public health system development and medical challenges in low-income countries, as well as micro topics, including adolescent mental health, and the prevention and treatment of rare diseases and chronic conditions. The goal is to facilitate experience and resource sharing and promote global cooperation.
There is also a 1,600 m2 exhibition area showcasing the latest innovations in China’s health sector, highlighting the role of sci-tech innovation as a new quality productive force in this sector. Beijing has rolled out three rounds of action plans for collaborative innovation in medicine and health, aiming to expand the industry’s size to 1.25 trillion yuan by 2026.
