We believe that all people are entitled to health rights regardless of gender, race, socioeconomic condition or religion. Our constitution sets forth that “The health of all citizens shall be protected by the State(Article 36(3))." In addition, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares the right of all people to security in the event of sickness.

As globalization accelerates, issues regarding the promotion and protection of health require collective response and cooperation that goes beyond a national level. For this reason, the National Assembly has dedicated itself to matters of global health. In particular, the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea - the legislative branch of the government and holder of budgetary responsibility - seeks to communicate and establish cooperation with the parliaments of foreign governments in order to identify political solutions to global challenges in public health.

To realize this goal, the Korean Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (KPFGH) was established, with the support of the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly, in 2015. The KPFGH is comprised of global health experts as well as former and current members of the National Assembly who possess keen interest and insight into global health issues. Through our activities, we aim to promote international exchange and cooperation on legislative and budgetary policy in the health and medical sectors.

To work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Universal Health Care, pandemic preparedness and response, and eradication of chronic diseases, the National Assembly seeks solutions to global health issues. This serves to both boost the global reputation of the Republic of Korea and to contribute to the common prosperity of mankind.

Furthermore, the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly contributed to the establishment of the Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) in 2015 with support from WHO WPRO. It is a platform for parliamentarians to exchange ideas, build political will, strengthen capacity, and foster collaboration towards sustainable action for health in Asia Pacific region. The Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, is taking the presidency of APPFGH from the second half of 2021 for the next four years. We promise to take responsibility in this role and will continue to seek new solutions on behalf of the National Assembly for improving global health.

We are very grateful for your interest and support. Thank you.

Korean Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health