Save the World Global Forum 2019 was held over three days from May 22 to 24. The opening ceremony took place on the 23rd at 10 a.m. at Songdo ConvensiA in Incheon, marking the official start of the forum. The event gathered around 300 participants, including representatives from the UN DGC, various governments, academic institutions, the Korean Red Cross, NGOs, and citizens from all walks of life.
Save the World Global Forum 2019 was organized to discuss sustainable life-saving through blood donation and to establish a global network for this cause. Blood, essential for saving lives, cannot be artificially produced, making blood donation a critical act of sharing life. However, there is always a significant shortage of blood, compared to the demand. WeLoveU, which has consistently spread love and life to global families through the Worldwide Blood Drive, sought various solutions to address this issue at the forum.
In her opening remarks, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah stated, “Blood donation is a vital humanitarian act of sharing life.” She emphasized the importance of the roles of government agencies and NGOs in dispelling misunderstandings and prejudices about blood donation. Chairwoman Zahng hoped that Save the World Global Forum 2019 would awaken global citizens to contribute to love for humanity and world peace.
At the Save the World Global Forum 2019, Peter Dawkins, Chief of the UN DGC Web Services Section, delivered the keynote address. He discussed the UN’s efforts to alleviate the global blood shortage and emphasized the importance of cooperation and solidarity in sustainable life-saving through blood donation.
Following his speech, nine presenters from government agencies, academic institutions, and NGOs shared their insights. Presenters from seven countries discussed their respective experiences with blood donation and management. They unanimously agreed on the need to encourage citizen participation in blood donation and to establish a systematic network for blood supply and management. During the subsequent panel discussion, presenters and participants explored practical strategies for forming and maintaining networks dedicated to life-saving efforts. After the heated discussion, Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah presented a plaque of appreciation to the keynote speaker and each of the presenters.
At the Save the World Global Forum 2019, WeLoveU signed Memorandums of Understanding [MOUs] with several organizations, including the Permanent Contingency Commission of Honduras [COPECO] Embassy of Honduras in the Rep. of Korea, the Chilean Ministry of Health, Iraq’s WeDoHelp, Dhaka Community Organization in Bangladesh, and Tova Community Health in the United States. These organizations committed to expanding voluntary non-remunerated blood donations and raising public awareness about the importance of blood donation.
By working with organizations like the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation, we can draw public attention by raising awareness of the importance of community blood donation in treating rare diseases. A global cooperation system is essential for this, and I believe that activities like today’s Save the World Global Forum will bring about significant change.
Nina Anderson, President of Tova Community Health
With the signing of MOUs, WeLoveU has expanded the foundation for sustainable life-saving activities. WeLoveU will continue to put its utmost effort into saving lives and protecting the dignity of life with a mother’s heart.