BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Experts have called for strengthening international solidarity and cooperation in scientific studies among universities to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and prevent possible future global health emergencies.
They made the call at a joint symposium on "COVID-19 Fightback and the Future 'New Normal'" which was held virtually on Wednesday. The symposium organized by Tsinghua University and Imperial College London brought together public health experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), Tsinghua University and Imperial College London. It aimed to share knowledge and experience, and promote global efforts in the fight against COVID-19, according to the organizers.
Alice Gast, President of Imperial College London, stressed the importance of scientific collaboration and cooperation among universities and other international institutions around the world to overcome COVID-19 and other global challenges.
"We must ensure that this pandemic strengthens the links between Chinese and UK science, and institutions such as ours. The coronavirus operates across borders, and so do our efforts to inhibit and defeat it," she said.
Universities around the world have a common commitment to building educational resilience as well as contributing to the fight against global health emergencies, said Chen Xu, chairperson of Tsinghua University Council.
"I have confidence that our vibrant partnership will not only benefit the two universities, but also provide critical solutions for the world at large," she said.
David Nabarro, WHO special envoy on COVID-19 and co-director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London, said that unity, solidarity and cooperation shown by universities around the world in fighting against the coronavirus was praiseworthy.
Margaret Chan, Inaugural Dean of Vanke School of Public Health Tsinghua, and honorary director-general of the WHO, praised China's successful handling of the COVID-19 epidemic and timely assistance to the countries affected.
Chan said that the epidemic has reaffirmed the values of global solidarity, trust, unity and cooperation in the face of a shared common health threat.
The international community should continue to uphold the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, further strengthen cooperation under the guidance and coordination of the WHO, work together to overcome the current crisis and build a global community of health for all, Chan said. Enditem
