Top officials from Hong Kong and mainland China have said that Hong Kong can play an important role in safeguarding global health through international cooperation. This comes at a time when geopolitical tensions are rising and protectionism is spreading worldwide.
The remarks were made at the Asia Summit on Global Health, a two-day event that started on Monday. Hong Kong’s health minister also pledged to develop the city’s third medical school into a major center for innovation.
In his opening speech, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, speaking to more than 2,800 local and international guests, stressed that isolationism is not the answer to global health or social problems.
He said, “When fighting a virus, isolation is important — to quarantine the infected and protect the healthy. But for health care, trade, and social issues, isolation will not solve the problems.”
Lee added, “Unilateralism and protectionism are spreading like a virus worldwide. We must remember that trade depends on openness. Like health, resilience comes from working together, not from isolation.”
He also promised that Hong Kong would seek strong partnerships and new collaborations with summit participants.
The summit, now in its fifth year, focuses on “fostering global collaboration for a shared future.”
World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “In these divided times, countries can find common ground for the greater good. Thank you all for your commitment to global health and multilateralism.”
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Health, Lo Chung-mau, said the city is well placed to support global health despite growing unilateralism.
Lo said, “While geopolitical tensions make international cooperation harder, Hong Kong acts as a bridge between East and West, tradition and innovation.”
He explained that Hong Kong’s unique position makes it an important player in upholding multilateralism to protect global health.
Lo also outlined plans to develop Hong Kong’s third medical school. The city already has two top-ranked medical schools at the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The plan to establish a third medical school was first announced by Lee in his policy speech last year. Three universities — Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Polytechnic University, and Baptist University — have submitted proposals to run the new school.
Lo said, “The third medical school will be a key step toward building a fairer and more sustainable health system in Hong Kong. It will also strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an international hub for medical innovation and university education.”
Vice-Minister of the National Health Commission, Cao Xuetao, urged Hong Kong to take a more active role in the Healthy China Initiative, a national program that focuses on disease prevention, health education, and other health efforts.
He encouraged Hong Kong to boost research and innovation while increasing international cooperation to face global health challenges.
Cao said, “We hope Hong Kong can serve as a bridge for exchange between China and other countries. It should help improve communication and cooperation among governments and organizations.”
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