Incheon: South Korea's health ministry and the World Health Organization (WHO) have commenced the annual World Bio Summit in Incheon, focusing on international collaboration in the health care sector. The summit, under the theme "Future investments for a healthy and secure decade," aims to address future health care crises by learning from the COVID-19 pandemic.According to Yonhap News Agency, the event, which runs through Tuesday, sees participation from over 80 representatives of governments and global organizations. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong emphasized the need for global cooperation to enhance health care security and drive innovation. The summit will explore establishing a stable global supply chain, training biotech experts, and other means to strengthen international cooperation.Health officials, including Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo, are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with key figures such as Saia Piukala, WHO's regional director for the Western Pacific, and Lao Health Mi nister Bounfeng Phoummalaysith. Park is also set to meet Philippe Duneton, Unitaid's executive director, to discuss health care support for developing nations.The event also features seminars hosted by the Asian Development Bank, Unitaid, the International Vaccine Institute, and the Research Investment for Global Health Technology Foundation, further promoting global cooperation, as noted by the health ministry.
- October 12, 2026
