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South Korea seeks a larger global health role
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the presidential office on the afternoon of the 21st, discussing closer cooperation on public health and infectious disease prevention.
Lee said South Korea had developed from a country that received international assistance into a major contributor and should further expand its role in the global community. He called for broader cooperation with the WHO on global health and health security and asked Tedros to support a greater role for Korean professionals within the organization.
Tedros thanked South Korea for its work with the WHO and its contributions to global health. He said he was familiar with the country’s development experience and that the contributions of WHO member states should be appropriately reflected within the organization.
Focus on infectious diseases, biotechnology and AI
Lee described infectious diseases as an international challenge that no country can address alone, emphasizing the need for close coordination on prevention and response.
Tedros highlighted the WHO Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing, established in South Korea, as a significant example of international cooperation. More than 4,000 people from about 100 countries have received training related to vaccines and treatments through the program, according to the presidential office.
The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence and biotechnology. Tedros said international collaboration on AI should prioritize equity.
Asked by Lee about recent Ebola outbreaks in Africa, Tedros said concerns about the disease spreading remained in parts of the continent. He added that the WHO was working closely with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to contain it.
Continuing a Korean legacy at the WHO
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Lee said South Korea and the WHO would remain dependable partners in advancing global health.
Lee also invoked the legacy of the late Lee Jong-wook, the first South Korean to serve as WHO director-general. He said his government would carry forward Lee Jong-wook’s commitment to providing the best possible health to as many people as possible and would fulfill its responsibilities as a strong WHO partner.
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