Ministry of Health and Welfare-WHO, Opening of the '2024 World Bio Summit'
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), it will hold the "2024 World Bio Summit" at Songdo Convensia in Incheon on the 11th and 12th, under the theme "Future Investment for a Safe and Healthy Next Decade."
First held in 2022 under the leadership of the Korean government and WHO, the World Bio Summit has established itself as a platform where global health ministers and vice ministers, heads of international organizations, representatives of vaccine and bio companies, and experts gather to discuss global agendas in the vaccine and bio sectors.
At this year's 3rd summit, recent trends in innovative research and development post-COVID-19 pandemic, the establishment of stable global supply chains, and bio workforce development will be shared, and global cooperation strategies in each field will be discussed. More than 1,200 participants from 43 countries worldwide, including over 180 representatives from international organizations, companies, and key national speakers, will attend.
On the first day, Session 1 will focus on "Innovative Research and Development," sharing country-specific approaches to High-Risk, High-Reward R&D for healthcare innovation and discussing ways to strengthen international cooperation in innovative and challenge-driven healthcare R&D. In a special session themed "Promoting Vaccination," strategies to enhance vaccine accessibility and equity will be explored, along with recommendations on the importance of lifecycle vaccination and strengthening national immunization programs.
On the second day, Session 2 will address "Global Supply Chains," exchanging views on building resilient global supply chains in the bio sector. The current status of global pharmaceutical supply chains and government and corporate responses will be shared, and strategies for diversifying global partnerships to establish stable supply chains will be discussed.
Session 3 will focus on "Workforce Development," exploring global investments and cooperation measures to strengthen the capabilities of the global bio workforce, especially vaccine manufacturing personnel. The current status of workforce development to enhance vaccine self-sufficiency in low- and middle-income countries will be shared, and cooperation strategies such as activating international-level investments will be discussed.
Meanwhile, during the event, five side events will be held in various formats such as expert seminars and business meetings based on cooperation with international organizations and groups including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), UNITAID, International Vaccine Institute (IVI), the Light Foundation, and HealthAI. A "Global Business Lounge" will also be operated to support expanded cooperation among international organizations, global companies, foreign health ministries, and domestic bio companies.
On the 11th, Park Min-su, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, will hold bilateral meetings with Saia Mau Piukala, Director of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), and Bunpeng Phommalaysith, Minister of Health of Laos. On the 12th, a meeting with Dr. Philippe Duneton, Secretary-General of UNITAID, is also scheduled.
Minister Cho Kyu-hong of the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, "The 2024 World Bio Summit will be an important opportunity to seek ways to respond more flexibly and swiftly to future health crises based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic experienced worldwide." He added, "The Korean government aims to strengthen global cooperation for health security with WHO and lead investment and innovation for a healthy and safe future together with the international community."
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