Opening remarks at the Fifth Regional Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres in the Western Pacific

Regional Director Emeritus, Dr Shin Young-soo,

Distinguished representatives of WHO Collaborating Centres,

Esteemed colleagues,

Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen:

Magandang umaga and good morning,

It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you all to the Fifth Regional Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres in the Western Pacific.

Today, we gather not just as professionals, but as partners united by a shared vision: Health for all.

First, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you – our Collaborating Centres, technical experts, and partners.

Your dedication and expertise have been the backbone of WHO’s work in this Region.

And allow me to recognize our legendary WHO Regional Director Emeritus, Dr Shin Young-soo – whose foresight gave birth to this Forum. Dr Shin once reminded us: “Solidarity and cooperation are the traditions that define our Region – and they are the keys to overcoming even the toughest challenges.” That wisdom continues to guide us today.

Your presence here today speaks volumes about our collective commitment, not only to WHO’s global mission, but also to our regional vision: Weaving Health for families, communities and societies.

This week’s theme – “Interweaving Innovation and Unity: Elevating Partnerships for Health and Well-being in the Western Pacific” – captures the essence of what we stand for.

Progress in health is never the product of innovation alone, nor partnership alone – it is the interweaving of both, tightly bound by trust and shared purpose.

Since our last forum in 2022, the world has changed dramatically.

We have faced emerging infectious diseases, climate extremes, demographic shifts, and the relentless rise of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).

WHO itself is navigating unprecedented challenges, including reduced funding from traditional donors.

Yet, amid this permacrisis, we have witnessed something extraordinary: resilience, creativity and solidarity.

This spirit was evident at our recent seventy-sixth Regional Committee Meeting, where we celebrated remarkable achievements despite formidable obstacles.

And let me say this clearly: our Collaborating Centres have been at the heart of these successes.

You have generated evidence, tested innovations, strengthened surveillance, advanced health workforce development, and guided countries towards universal health coverage.

You have turned science into solutions, and partnerships into impact. For this, we are profoundly grateful.

Over the next two days, this Forum offers a unique opportunity – not only to reflect on these achievements, but to chart the course ahead.

We will align our efforts with WHO GPW14 and our regional vision.

We will identify priorities, strengthen coordination, and design pathways that transform research and innovation into tangible health outcomes.

At its core, this Forum is about unity.

Each of us represents a distinct strand in the regional health fabric – whether from a university, research institute, hospital or government agency.

When these strands are interwoven, they form a strong, resilient tapestry – capable of supporting the health and well-being of more than 2.2 billion people, across 38 countries and areas in the Western Pacific.

So, as we begin this Forum, I invite you to share openly, listen deeply and imagine boldly.

Let us embrace innovation and unity – not as abstract concepts, but as a mindset that drives collaboration across disciplines, sectors and borders.

Together, we can elevate partnerships, strengthen solidarity, and ensure that innovation truly serves people and communities.

As the saying goes, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” And so it is with us – when we move forward together – as Collaborating Centres, as WHO, as partners in health: there is no challenge too great, and no goal beyond our reach.

Welcome to the Forum – may the next two days be not only productive but also inspiring – a time when we weave new connections, spark fresh ideas, and renew our shared commitment to health and well-being, for the people of the Western Pacific.

Salamat po and I thank you.