The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) was established to commemorate the election of the late Dr LEE Jong-wook as the 6th Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) and to honor his leadership and contributions to advancing global health. Celebrating his legacy remains one of the Foundation’s core missions.
Dr LEE, the first Korean Director-General in WHO’s history, championed the vision of “Health for All” and spearheaded pivotal initiatives such as reducing drug prices, expanding access to essential medicines, strengthening infectious disease preparedness, and enhancing the capacity of the global health workforce.
In the post-pandemic era, the Republic of Korea has been actively sharing its public health achievements and infectious disease response capacities with the international community, thereby contributing to efforts to reduce global health inequities.
As a nation that has transitioned from an aid recipient to a donor country within just half a century, Korea offers a unique model of development cooperation and is well positioned to build practical, mutually beneficial partnerships with developing countries.
The year 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Dr LEE’s passing, providing a timely opportunity to reflect on his remarkable legacy and contributions to global health while showcasing Korea’s healthcare policy achievements and leadership over the past two decades on the global stage.
The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) is committed to advancing global health through international collaboration and sustainable development. Founded to honor the legacy of Dr Lee Jong-wook, the former Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), KOFIH partners with countries around the world to strengthen healthcare systems, enhance medical education, and improve public health services.
For 17 years, KOFIH has proudly awarded the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health, celebrating exceptional contributions to global health and public service. As the organizer of the Dr LEE Jong-wook Memorial Prize for Public Health Laureate Lecture and Dialogue, KOFIH unites health leaders to exchange insights and drive impactful solutions for a healthier world. Through this platform, we continue Dr. Lee’s vision of equitable healthcare for all.
For further information : https://www.kofih.org/en/index.do
| 13.30 | Theme: “Dr LEE Jong-wook’s Legacy and the Future of Global Health Leadership” Commemorative Forum |
| 14.15 | Session 1: From Talk to Action: One Health in the Real World Laureate Lecture and panel discussion |
| 15.00 | Coffee break |
| 15.30 | Session 2: From Talk to Action: One Health in the Real World Keynote Address & Panel discussion |
| 16.15 | Session 3: Shaping the Future: Strategic Directions for Sustainable Global Health Leadership and the role of youth Interactive discussion |
| 16.55 | Closing Remarks |
| 17.00 | Reception & Networking |
Registration is free but mandatory
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Established in 2006 by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE), the Geneva Health Forum (GHF) is a Swiss not-for-profit initiative that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss and address global health challenges.
The GHF plays a pivotal role in the global health landscape, as a neutral and inclusive platform, fostering dialogue and collaboration among key players in the field, including policymakers, representatives from academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Its core mission is to facilitate constructive dialogue among these global health actors, which, in turn, contributes to the improvement of health policies and access to care worldwide. The Geneva Health Forum proudly collaborates with some of the most prominent international organizations based in Geneva.
