The 5th World Health Forum, hosted by Tsinghua University, commenced in Beijing on November 1. Ban Ki-moon, chairman of Boao for Asia and former secretary-general of the United Nations; Li Luming, president of Tsinghua University; Shen Hongbing, vice-minister of the National Health Commission and director of the National Administration of Disease Prevention and Control; Xiong Shaoyuan, deputy director-general of China Meteorological Administration; Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific; Amakobe Sande, UNICEF representative to China and Margaret Chan, founding dean of Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University and former director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), attended the opening ceremony. Yang Bin, vice chancellor of Tsinghua University Council, presided over the opening ceremony.

With the theme “Climate Change and Health: Responsibility, Governance and a Shared Future for Mankind,” this year’s forum brought together nearly 400 experts, scholars, representatives of international organizations and youth delegates from 22 countries and regions to jointly explore new paths and cooperation models for global health governance in the context of climate change.

Ban Ki-moon pointed out that ten years ago, countries around the world made a historic commitment in Paris. Today, climate change has become one of the most serious public health emergencies. He hoped that the international community would attach great importance to it and make climate action a top priority in public health.

Li Luming welcomed forum attendees on behalf of Tsinghua University. He said that the University has thoroughly implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and has given full play to its strengths and taken active actions in addressing climate change and promoting health and well-being. The World Health Forum has become an important platform for promoting cooperation in global health governance and sustainable development. He looked forward to working with all sectors of society to cultivate talents, strengthen scientific and technological innovation, deepen international cooperation, and jointly safeguard a better future for human health and sustainable development.

Shen Hongbing said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the coordinated development of climate and health, continuously promoting an integrated layout of “mitigation–adaptation–resilience” to form a governance system of “four-in-one” with policies, actions, standards, and evaluation. The National Health Commission and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration will continue to improve top-level design and strengthen scientific research and international cooperation.

Xiong Shaoyuan said that the China Meteorological Administration is improving the climate and health governance mechanism through refined early-warning services, cross-sectoral coordination and international cooperation, actively promoting the integration of health meteorological services with multiple fields, and contributing China’s solutions to building a community of shared future for human health.

Saia Ma’u Piukala shared the concept that “climate equals health,” pointing out that climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality.

Amakobe Sande said that she hopes all countries will accelerate actions and strengthen the construction of climate-resilient public health systems to protect children’s survival and development in the climate crisis.

Margaret Chan noted that the Vanke School of Public Health of Tsinghua University will continue to support decision-making through scientific research, cultivate leadership through innovative education, and gather global wisdom through open cooperation.

Opening Ceremony guests assemble for a group photo

The two-day forum focuses on topics such as global health governance under climate change, scientific evidence chain and risk assessment, educational cooperation and academic innovation, youth and climate action, and includes three plenary sessions and one youth forum.

Editor: Li Han