Attendees at the opening ceremony of the second Conference of Global Health Forum of Boao Forum for Asia. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Human health has become an important part of sustainable development goals. I hope this conference will serve as a platform to encourage innovation, exchange and cooperation, and provide effective solutions for tackling the spread of the global epidemic and promoting the development of human health," said Ban.

Zhou Xiaochuan, vice chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia, said in his speech that the epidemic is still spreading around the world, posing major threats and challenges to the lives and health of people and sustainable economic recovery.

"The convening of this conference is an important action to support global solidarity in fighting the epidemic and promoting sustainable economic recovery. The Boao Forum for Asia will give full play to its own characteristics and make full use of the platform of the Global Health Forum to offer solutions and promote the resolution of world health issues," said Zhou.

Liu Jiayi, Party chief of Shandong province, said that since the first conference was held, the province has comprehensively promoted the development of health care, made concerted efforts to fight the epidemic, and achieved progress in building a healthy Shandong.

Shandong will continue to intensify efforts to perfect the system of disease prevention and health management, as well as build a quality and efficient medical treatment system, an effective and efficient emergency disposal system, and a medical care system that can meet the demands of all citizens, Liu added.

He pointed out that Shandong will cultivate a strong health industrial supporting system and a scientific policy support system, continue to improve the health and well-being of the people, and strive to make its due contribution to the building of a healthy China and a health community for mankind.

"The COVID-19 epidemic is spreading around the world, and the international community should unite to fight the epidemic, act together, be open, inclusive, and pursue common development, with the whole world in mind and the future in mind," said Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, president of the Global Health Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia and former director-general of the World Health Organization.

"The Global Health Forum will continue to uphold its mission and responsibility to promote exchanges and cooperation, and work to realize the United Nation's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and a better life of health for all," said Chan.