Over 300 experts and scholars from international health organizations, news outlets, research institutes, companies, and relevant government departments gathered at Tsinghua University in Beijing over the weekend to discuss how cross-border, cross-sector efforts can be made to promote sustainable development. Let's take a closer look at the 2nd Global Development and Health Communication Forum. 

Conflicts plague our world. 

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals lagging behind.

At this critical juncture in history, how can all sectors of society, and all countries come together to strengthen global health? 

An information hub, launched by Tsinghua University aims to help bridge the gap between hard science and the general public. 

The platform, first of its kind in China, aspires to be a one-stop information hub to enhance understanding of health and development, with input from both Chinese and global contributors.

MARTIN TAYLO World Health Organization Representative to China "What happens here in China and the science, technology, innovation and research that is undertaken here is not just of national benefit, but of global benefits."

The offline forum gathered influencers from the likes of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

ZHENG ZHIJIE Chief Representative in China, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation "We really try to bridge between the scientists and the general public and make sure that we all understand what's behind all these information and technology."

Chinese health companies such as BGI Genomic also chimed in, giving the example of using genomics technology to detect down syndrome and help decrease the disease. 

From science to communication to action, a string that ties the forum's discussions. 

ZHOU QING'AN Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University "Action speaks louder than words. We talk about global again and again, and we were thinking about what's the action to reflects the right conception of global development and the global health."

For all of the attendees at the forum, the hope is to enhance cross-sector, cross-border dialogue and cooperation, to build a more resilient, healthy post-pandemic world. 

Chen Mengfei, CGTN, Beijing.