Health and Welfare Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong will attend the World Health Assembly (WHA), the main decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), as head of the Korean government delegation to present the country's health policies.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Monday, Jeong will deliver a keynote speech at the 79th World Health Assembly, which will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 19 to 21. This year's WHA convenes under the theme "Reshaping Global Health and Shared Responsibility," with health ministry delegations from 194 member states, as well as international organizations and civil society groups, in attendance.
In her keynote address, Jeong plans to outline major official development assistance (ODA) projects led by the Korean government in the health sector, including the WHO Global Biomanufacturing Workforce Training Hub, the JW LEE Fellowship Program, and efforts to establish a global artificial intelligence (AI) hub. She will also express Korea's commitment to actively contributing to the achievement of global health equity.
Jeong will also attend a memorial ceremony on May 20 marking the 20th anniversary of the passing of the late Dr. Lee Jong-wook, the first Korean to lead an international organization and the sixth Director-General of the WHO.
"This year's WHO assembly carries even greater significance as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the passing of the late Director-General Lee Jong-wook," Jeong said. "Korea will carry on his legacy and actively contribute to achieving global health equity."
