Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends,

I am pleased to welcome you to today's meeting, which we have organized as part of WHO's efforts to increase the involvement of non-state actors in WHO Governing Bodies and the work of WHO in general.

It's important to underline at the outset that this meeting complements, but does not replace, the official participation of non-state actors in formal WHO Governing Bodies events.

WHO values the longstanding and fruitful collaboration we have with all non-State actors in official relations..

Non-governmental organizations have been working with WHO since its creation and continue to play a key role, especially on technical collaboration and on advocacy.

Philanthropic foundations have long been strong supporters of WHO's work, such as in the recent generous support for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

International business associations also provide a vital link between the private sector and WHO in finding common ground in public health goals.

As you know, I also hold regular dialogue with civil society organizations on key aspects of the pandemic response, from gender to palliative care and social accountability. I very much appreciate these open discussions and plan to continue them beyond the COVID-19 response.

We are also working with civil society and community-based organizations, including through financial support, to facilitate their contributions to national pandemic responses.

Your meeting over these next 3 days is a first. We want to explore together how we can improve your input as we approach the World Health Assembly.

I look forward to our discussion on Thursday afternoon.

We can only fight this pandemic, progress towards the triple billion target and the SDGs if we work together with all of you.

Thank you, and I wish you a very productive discussion.

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