- KDCA hosts policy dialogue on the first day of the Second 2025 APEC Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting.

- Participants share experiences and explore ways to strengthen “One Health multisectoral collaboration” among APEC Member Economies.

Incheon, 21 August 2025 ━ The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) hosted a policy dialogue with APEC Member Economies, health experts, international organizations and private-sector participants under the theme “One Health Multisectoral Collaboration” at Songdo Convensia on August 5.

This policy dialogue marked the opening event of the Second APEC Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting, which was held from August 5 to 8. The meeting began with opening remarks by KDCA Commissioner Dr. Seung-kwan Lim and welcoming remarks by Dr. Victor Yosef Melt Campos, Chair of the HWG and Director General at Peru’s Ministry of Health. The keynote address, “One-Health: Why We Must Collaborate” was delivered by Professor Han-sang Yoo from Seoul National University. The dialogue featured three sessions:

1) Coordination - KDCA, the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control, and the Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing delivered presentations, with the Singapore Ministry of Health, and Thailand’s Department of Disease Control joined as panelists. Discussions covered defining roles among APEC Member Economies, building One-Health governance, and setting priorities and allocating resources.

2) Collaboration and Communication - The second session was presented by Kyungpook National University, the Singapore Ministry of Health, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the Fukuoka Prefectural Government, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) with panelists from the Peru Ministry of Health, and WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO). The session highlighted strategies and practices for building effective mechanism for collaboration and communication.

3) Capacity Building - The third session was presented by KDCA, and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO WPRO, and Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, with ADB, and International Cooperation Department, Viet Nam as panelists. Participants shared Member Economies’ efforts and achievements in strengthening capabilities in multiple areas, including nurturing professionals, education, training and development of systems.

Following the policy dialogue, the HWG meeting was held from August 7 to 8, where KDCA discussed with APEC Member Economies, international organizations and academics on key agenda items, including:
- Sharing Experiences in One Health Strategies and Plans
- Enhancing Noncommuncable Disease Management Systems in Response to Aged Societies
- Health Amid Climate Challenges

KDCA Commissioner Dr. Seung-kwan Lim stated, “In the post-COVID-19 era, health emergencies have become more complex and multifaceted, showing One-Health approach is essential for effective response.” He also added, “I look forward to this policy dialogue to be a practical cooperative model, bolstering “One-Health multisectoral collaboration” among APEC Member Economies.”

Overview of the Policy Dialogue at the APEC Health Working Group (HWG) Meeting


※ Please refer to the attached files.