India G20 Logo | Photo Credit: PTI
A WHO official on Friday termed India’s chairmanship of the G20 Health Working Group meeting as an “exciting moment in history” and said it has raised the voice of the Global South.
Ayoade Alakija, Special Envoy, ACT-Accelerator, WHO said that she is keen to see Global South cooperation that can be put together in the new world order and hoped that this process will certainly help in this.
He said, “India’s G20 presidency is an exciting moment in history, because India is going to set the global health architecture for many decades to come. Because it is going to be set in the next few months.”
He said that he feels that the world is coming to India not only for discussions but also to learn from it as digital transformation is taking place in various sectors including health and infrastructure to finance in the country.
He said the ongoing meeting, which will conclude today, will be a platform on how we can learn from each other in this global world – South Africa, India, Latin America etc.
Ms. Alkiza continued, “How can we share our experiences and innovate together and how can we co-create the world we want…the world that really is? The world is going to become one that provides for us…people.” ,
The official also said that it is incredible to be in “God’s own country”, Kerala and to be greeted with amazing culture and amazing warmth in the South Indian state.
Meanwhile, Dr. Alain Labrecque, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, said that the India of five years ago is different from the India of today.
The same can be said for countries around the world and in the Global South, he said.
“Therefore, we have to think about where we are today but also create solutions for tomorrow and keep in mind that this technology revolution should benefit everyone,” he added.
Stating that success hinges on trust, Dr. Labrick said that trust means a background of policy, of legislation that protects privacy and security and builds the confidence of individuals to use the system.
“So, I think this is the foundation of a place where I want to see India shining as a beacon for other countries,” he added.
The official also explained the elements of legislation and policies that are needed to make digital success possible.
The first Health Working Group meeting under the G20 India Presidency will conclude here on Friday. India assumed the chairmanship of G20 on December 1, 2022.