The second Conference of Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia opens on June 2 in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The second Conference of Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia officially opened on June 2 in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, after it was suspended for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 2,880 guests from 40 countries and regions participated in the event via online and offline channels to discuss topics such as strengthening global governance, upholding multilateralism and promoting international cooperation amid the global pandemic.

Li Bin, vice chairwoman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivered a keynote speech titled "Solidarity in the Boat to Fight the Epidemic and Build a Health Community for Mankind" at the opening ceremony.

In her speech, Li said that health is the foundation of social civilization and progress, and an important symbol of national prosperity and national strength. She also noted that China has always attached great importance to the development of health undertakings and prioritized people's lives and health, as reflected in the implementation of the Healthy China strategy.

"While properly responding to the COVID-19 epidemic in China, the country has strongly supported global cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, and put into practice the initiative of building a health community for mankind with concrete actions," she said.

Li pointed out that in the era of globalization, humans can only overcome difficulties by working together.

"Countries should uphold the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, continue to strengthen the development of the public health system, uphold multilateralism to improve global health governance, and promote fairness and access to basic medical and health services," she said.

In his speech, Ban Ki-moon, chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia and a former United Nations secretary-general, said that the global fight against COVID-19 has led to a consensus among the international community that the world should not only focus on economic development, but also on human health.