The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) held its 20th Anniversary Ceremony and Forum on August 13, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of The Westin Josun Seoul, bringing together prominent figures and healthcare professionals from Korea and abroad to celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary.

Held under the theme “20 Years of Global Health: Building a Better Tomorrow through Solidarity and Cooperation,” the event provided an opportunity to reflect on KOFIH’s achievements over the past two decades and discuss its future direction and new avenues for cooperation amid the rapidly changing global health landscape.

The ceremony was attended by key domestic and international figures, including Hyun Soo-yeop, First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, National Assembly Member Han Ji-a, heads of diplomatic missions from partner countries in Korea, and heads of public institutions under the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

In his opening remarks, Baek Gwan-baek, Acting President of KOFIH, highlighted that the Foundation has grown since its establishment in 2006 by carrying forward the spirit and legacy of the late Dr. Lee Jong-wook, the sixth Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). He noted that KOFIH began with a small number of staff and limited resources but has since grown into a global health and healthcare cooperation institution leading large-scale development cooperation programs through offices in 10 countries.

The afternoon session featured the 20th Anniversary Forum, titled “KOFIH at 20: Connecting the Past and the Future — Key Achievements and Future Strategies for Global Health Cooperation.” Professor Kim Sun-young of Seoul National University delivered a keynote address on “Global Health Cooperation in Transition and the Challenges Ahead.” Jung Hye-jin, Director of the Development Cooperation Strategy Division at KOFIH, presented “Key Achievements and Milestones of KOFIH over the Past 20 Years,” while Professor Choi Jae-wook of Korea University spoke on “Changes in the Global Health ODA Landscape and KOFIH’s Role.”

A panel discussion followed under the theme “The Future of Korea’s Global Health Cooperation: Where Should We Go from Here?” Representatives from development finance institutions, academia, civil society, and KOFIH discussed the roles and priorities KOFIH should pursue over the next 20 years, as well as opportunities for collaboration to advance these efforts.

Building on the discussions and insights shared during the forum, KOFIH will continue to strengthen its contribution to global health and healthcare cooperation and work with partners to address emerging challenges in the global health landscape.