President Moon Delivers First Ever Keynote Speech at World Health Assembly

WHO's Highest Decision-Making Body, First Keynote Speech by a Sitting Korean President... Explaining COVID-19 Prevention Experience to the International Community

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 18th, President Moon Jae-in will deliver a keynote speech at the World Health Assembly (WHA), the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO). This is the first time a sitting president of Korea has given a keynote speech at the WHA.

President Moon is expected to explain Korea's quarantine measures, which have emerged as a model in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Earlier, on April 6, President Moon had a 25-minute phone call at the request of WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. At that time, President Moon stated, "Our government has consistently responded based on three principles: openness, transparency, and democracy, and in accordance with WHO recommendations, we are minimizing unnecessary restrictions on human and material movement."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "I highly appreciate WHO's establishment of the ‘Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan’ to support countries with vulnerable health systems and its efforts to lead international solidarity through various health initiatives."

Director-General Tedros expressed a desire to make a 'special proposal' to President Moon, requesting, "Please deliver a keynote speech as the representative of Asia at the WHA, which will be held virtually in May."

Director-General Tedros said, "Currently, German Chancellor Merkel and South African President Ramaphosa are scheduled to speak as representatives of Europe and Africa, respectively," adding, "It will be a great opportunity for countries to share Korea's experience in responding to COVID-19."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.