To mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of China-Nepal diplomatic ties and implement the memorandum of understanding on traditional medicine cooperation between the two countries, the inaugural Symposium on Himalayan Regional Public Benefit Collaboration – titled “Inheriting the Art of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Safeguarding the Light of Life” – was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on June 24.
The 1st Symposium on Himalayan Regional Public Benefit Collaboration kicks off in Kathmandu, Nepal on June 24.
Yu Yunquan, vice-president of China International Communications Group (CICG) delivered a video speech. Janardhan Sharma, member of the Parliament of Nepal, former finance minister of Nepal, Meena Shrestha, member of the Koshi Provincial Assembly of Nepal and former deputy secretary-general of the Prime Minister’s Office, and Wang Xin, counselor of China’s Embassy in Nepal attended the opening ceremony and addressed the audience.
Yun Yunquan gives a video speech at the opening ceremony.
Yu Yunquan said that the Pan-Himalayan region features diverse cultures, and traditional medicine, as a shared gem of humanity, has a long history here. As an important institution for international communication and people-to-people exchanges, the CICG is ready to work with all parties to preserve and pass on the achievements of human civilization, strengthen regional cooperation in traditional medicine, and implement the Global Civilization Initiative. To achieve these goals, he outlined a three-pronged strategy: first, harnessing publishing as a conduit to showcase traditional medicine’s legacy; second, amplifying traditional medicine’s relevance through media narratives; and third, forging global connections in this field through people-to-people exchange.
He further stated that CICG will work with all parties to help establish sustained mechanisms for regional public benefit collaboration through communication and pragmatic cooperation.
Janardhan Sharma delivers a speech at the opening ceremony.
Janardhan Sharma noted that the symposium’s focus on Nepal-China traditional medicine cooperation carries profound significance. Nepal is home to abundant natural medicinal resources, while traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers unique diagnostic and therapeutic advantages. By pooling strengths and sharing expertise, China and Nepal can breathe new life into traditional medicine systems, including TCM and Ayurveda, through mutual learning.
Meena Shrestha addresses the audience at the opening ceremony.
Meena Shrestha shared that she herself is both a supporter and beneficiary of traditional Chinese medicine. As medical and healthcare experts from Nepal and China gathered together to communicate, exchange ideas, and learn from each other, she was confident that this event, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal, will advance the sustainable development of traditional medicine.
Wang Xin addresses the audience at the opening ceremony.
Wang Xin indicated that recent years have witnessed how China-Nepal healthcare cooperation has evolved into a robust bond of friendship under the visionary guidance of the two countries’ leaders, now forming an integral pillar of the China-Nepal community with a shared future. Chinese-assisted hospitals and diagnostic centers in Nepal have been put into operation one after another, delivering sustained contributions to Nepal’s healthcare advancement.
Marking the 70th anniversary of bilateral ties, he reaffirmed China’s commitment to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nepal in harnessing traditional medical essence, elevating Nepal’s healthcare infrastructure, and protecting Nepali citizens’ fundamental right to health. Together, we will create a new chapter for our community of health for all.
Attendees at the symposium.
At the conference, Xu Anlong, chairman of Beijing Wu Lien-Teh Public Foundation, Sushil Prajapati, chairman of Araniko Society in Nepal, and Santosh Paudel, president of National Association of Health Professionals Nepal delivered keynote speeches centered around the theme “the shared wisdom and public benefit spirit in the field of traditional medicine for humanity.”
Over 20 Chinese and Nepalese participants from the main venue in Nepal and sub-venues in Beijing and Kunming engaged in in-depth discussions on the following four themes: “the Necessity of Strengthening Public Benefit Collaboration in the Field of Traditional Medicine and Healthcare”; “Strengthening Public Benefit Collaboration to Build the Spiritual Summit”; “Thoughts and Practices for the Development of Traditional Medicine Industries and International Public Benefit Collaboration”; and “Discussion on Specific Collaborative Public Benefit Directions related to the Research and Development of Traditional Medicine, Remote Consultation Support, Free Medical Consultations, Training of Chinese Medicine Professionals, and Heath Education.”
Wu Lien-Teh Public Welfare Education Center is officially unveiled at the symposium.
During the public benefit project implementation session, the Beijing Wu Lien-Teh Public Foundation signed a tripartite agreement with the Araniko Society and SATV. They jointly inaugurated the Wu Lien-Teh Public Welfare Education Center, which will provide remote medical consultation, TCM knowledge dissemination, and health education services to Nepal. Additionally, the Potala Integrated Communication Platform of CICG signed a MoU with SATV and the Nepal-China Media Forum to co-launch a Himalayan regional public benefit cooperation mechanism, enhancing collaborative efforts in regional public benefit and communication. Experts from the cooperation mechanism briefed the forum on preparations about the first batch of charitable supplies. The Yunnan International Trade, Economic and Cultural Cooperation Center presented the English collector’s editions of Compendium of Materia Medica, published by the Foreign Languages Press, to Chinese medical aid teams and institutions in Nepal. Attendees jointly released the Himalayan Regional Public Benefit Cooperation Declaration.
The donation ceremony for the book Compendium of Materia Medica published by the Foreign Languages Press.
Attendees jointly release the Himalayan Regional Public Benefit Cooperation Declaration.
This event, guided by the CICG and China’s Embassy in Nepal, was co-hosted by the CICG Center for Europe and Africa (China Today), Beijing Wu Lien-Teh Public Foundation, and Yunnan International Trade, Economic, and Cultural Cooperation Center. Nearly 200 participants were present at the symposium, including representatives from health authorities of countries in the Himalayan region, heads of traditional medicine institutions, medical practitioners, experts, and researchers in traditional medicine from China, Nepal, and other countries.
