President Kim's Keynote Speech at the Government of Japan-World Bank Conference on Universal Health Coverage

TOKYO, December 6, 2013 -- The Global Conference on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth was convened in Japan. This conference was co-organized by the Government of Japan and the World Bank Group under the Japan-World Bank Group Partnership Program for Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The program supported systematic analyses of health policies and programs in 11 countries including Japan, with the aim of drawing lessons from Japan and other country experiences with UHC, in order to respond to the growing demand from low- and middle-income countries for assistance in developing UHC policies and strategies. This brought together health ministers, stakeholders from multilateral institutions including the Director-General of the World Health Organization, academic experts, and representatives of civil society organizations, for discussions on achieving inclusive and sustainable growth through UHC. Main speakers included Mr. Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Japan; Dr. Jim Yong Kim, President of the World Bank Group; and other senior officials.