NTU Global Health Program at 2025 WHS Regional Meeting in India: Expanding Global Engagement and Elevating Taiwan’s Presence in Global Health
1. Our Journey to India
In pursuit of deeper international collaboration and active global engagement, the Global Health Program (GHP) at National Taiwan University (NTU) participated in the 2025 World Health Summit (WHS) Regional Meeting held in India. This high-level global forum brought together over 5,000 participants from various sectors to set the agenda for a healthier, more equitable future.
Our delegation was led by Program Director Professor Kun-Hsien Tsai and Professor Chang-Chuan Chan, and joined by Associate Professor Hung-Chieh Chang, Assistant Professor Liang-Yu LinAmrita Chattopadhyay, Assistant Professor Amrita Chattopadhyay, and two student representatives, Samantha and Anna. The journey required two flights, one layover, and over 10 hours of travel, but the experience proved profoundly rewarding.
The WHS Regional Meeting addressed a wide array of global health topics, including:
- Digital Health and AI Futures
- Planetary Health
- Innovation and Leadership
- Communication and Health Care
- Health Diplomacy and Cooperation
- Health and Peace
- Women and Children’s Health
- The Future of Health
In addition to participating in key sessions such as the World Summit Agenda Setting Meeting and discussions on emergency preparedness in South-East Asia, our delegation also explored India's vibrant local culture—visiting historic sites like Humayun’s Tomb (built in 1570) and sampling traditional Bengali cuisine, graciously introduced by Professor Chattopadhyay.
Our presence at the Summit demonstrated how academic participation can amplify Taiwan’s visibility in international forums. We are proud to have contributed not only to academic discussions but also to advancing citizen diplomacy, strengthening Taiwan’s global health footprint.
2. Student Reflections & Impact
Upon returning from India, student representatives Samantha and Anna delivered a thoughtful and engaging presentation about their experience, offering the NTU community a vivid glimpse into both the professional insights and personal growth gained from participating in the WHS Regional Meeting.
They described their arrival in India as a sensory experience—from the bustling streets filled with honking cars to the unexpected yet charming presence of cows meandering through traffic. But beyond the cultural immersion, the Summit itself left a lasting academic and emotional impact.
At the World Health Summit, they witnessed first-hand how global health priorities are shaped through inclusive, cross-sector dialogue. With more than 5,000 participants in attendance, the conference addressed themes such as Digital Health and AI, Planetary Health, Health Diplomacy, and Women and Children’s Health. Samantha and Anna participated in a variety of sessions, including those focused on emergency preparedness in urban South-East Asia, improving neonatal health in India, and UNICEF’s road safety efforts. These discussions deepened their understanding of complex health systems and regional challenges.
What stood out to them most was the diversity of voices at the summit—from policymakers to activists, scientists to youth leaders. They noted the strong sense of energy, momentum, and optimism, and how it underscored a collective commitment to addressing global health issues through cooperation and innovation.
In addition to academic engagement, cultural experiences also played a key role in their learning. They explored historical landmarks such as Taj Mahal, tasted local dishes including Rumali Roti and Bengali cuisine, and engaged in conversations that broadened their worldview.
Importantly, both students emphasized how meaningful it was to represent NTU and Taiwan on a global stage, introducing our Global Health Program to international peers. Through this experience, they came to appreciate the role of health diplomacy not only in solving health crises, but also in building international trust and visibility for Taiwan.
Their reflections serve as a reminder that global engagement is not just about knowledge exchange—it is also about connection, representation, and vision. Their voices at the Summit added a youthful, yet informed perspective to the global health dialogue, and their journey exemplifies the mission of NTU GHP: to cultivate global citizens who are ready to lead, collaborate, and contribute.
