Speech by CE at Asia Summit on Global Health (English only) (with photos/video)

[Commonground]

Excerpt:

Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, at the Asia Summit on Global Health today (May 26):​
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Global health starts with unity. This spirit of collaboration is as important today as it was in 2021, when this Summit was first launched. It was launched under the cloud of the global pandemic. We don't need any reminding of the dark days of the COVID-19 outbreak. But it is worth recalling that those difficult times also sparked a remarkable period of healthcare innovation and co-operation. These positive trends continue, here today, at this Summit.​
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Ladies and gentlemen, in fighting a virus, isolation is vital - quarantining the infected to protect the healthy. But in tackling healthcare, trade, and other societal issues, isolation is not the answer. While walls may stem the spread of a disease, they stifle free and open exchange, which is the lifeblood of prosperity.

With unilateralism and protectionism sweeping the world like a contagion, we should remember a fundamental truth: Trade thrives on openness. Much as how a human body can only stay healthy when its interconnected systems work in harmony, our global economy can only prosper with an ecosystem of trust, collaboration and multilateralism. For in trade, as in health, resilience lies not in isolation, but in collaboration. And Hong Kong is here to build meaningful partnerships and innovative co-operations, with all of you.

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202505/26/P2025052600320.htm


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