The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Korea have formally reinforced their enduring global health partnership, marking more than 75 years of collaborative progress in international public health and sustainable development. Over the decades, this fruitful relationship has witnessed a remarkable evolution, most notably highlighted by the Republic of Korea’s transition from a post-war donor-recipient nation into a major donor country and an influential leader on the international health stage. Today, Seoul plays a critical and catalytic role in shaping global health security, resource mobilization, and health system strengthening worldwide.
To build upon this shared legacy and chart a unified course for future cooperation, representatives from the WHO and the Government of the Republic of Korea convened in Seoul for their second high-level Strategic Dialogue. Held from August 28 to 29, 2024, the comprehensive two-day meeting served as a vital platform for both entities to align their strategic priorities, evaluate ongoing joint initiatives, and fortify their institutional commitment to addressing complex and emerging global health challenges.
The high-stakes diplomatic and technical engagement was co-led by senior delegations from both sides. Dr Catharina Boehme, Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Governance at the WHO, led the international health agency’s delegation. Her team included both in-person delegates and numerous colleagues participating virtually, representing the three distinct operational levels of the Organization: WHO headquarters, regional offices, and country-level operations.
On the host nation’s side, Dr Hye-Jin Kim, Deputy Minister for Planning and Coordination at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, led the Republic of Korea’s delegation. The Korean delegation brought together a robust roster of high-ranking government officials and health sector leaders, including Dr Young-Mee Jee, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). Furthermore, the discussions benefited from the direct participation of senior counterparts and policy experts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, reflecting the multisectoral approach required to tackle modern health emergencies and sustainable development goals.
In addition to formal bilateral talks with ministry officials, the WHO delegation engaged with key legislative figures in alignment with the Organization’s ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration with parliamentarians. Recognizing the crucial role that legislative bodies play in enacting sustainable public health policies, securing domestic and international financing, and championing the global health agenda, WHO representatives met with various members of the National Assembly who have been vocal advocates for global health equity and security. These discussions emphasized the importance of legislative support in translating international health commitments into tangible domestic policies and sustainable funding streams.
The conclusion of the two-day summit yielded a renewed alignment of strategic priorities, paving the way for significantly enhanced collaboration between the WHO and the Government of Korea. The dialogue underscored a shared vision for future health initiatives, focusing on resilience, preparedness against potential health crises, and the promotion of universal health coverage. As part of the proceedings, members of the WHO delegation engaged in collaborative briefings with senior Korean officials, including Mr Jonghan Park, Director-General for Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during which participants highlighted key strategic publications, such as the WHO Investment Case report, to underscore the profound impact and value of international health investments in a rapidly changing world.
