Remarks at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University
Qiu Yong, President of Tsinghua University
April 2nd, 2020
Today, we are inaugurating the Vanke School of Public Health of Tsinghua University, which is of long-lasting significance for us all. As the COVID-19 epidemic threatens the lives and livelihoods of people across the world, global public health is facing an incredible challenge. The impact of the pandemic on society and the economy is immense, both within nations and on a global scale. Only through solidarity and a sense of responsibility can we overcome this challenge. All nations and all people have a role to play. At this moment, it has never been so clear how our everyday choices can shape the future, not only for ourselves and family, but for our global community.
Today, each of us can sense the strength that is present at this ceremony, the spirit of social commitment, and the perseverance of faith. Our deep appreciation goes to hundreds of thousands of Vanke colleagues for their support for Tsinghua’s development of public health. With the establishment of this new school, Tsinghua and Vanke are now connected more closely than ever. Our heartfelt thanks also go to Dr. Margaret Chan for accepting a post as the School’s inaugural Dean. As the Emeritus Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan illustrates that individuals can make a difference in the grand course of human history. On behalf of Tsinghua University, I would like to thank the Vanke community, Dr. Chan and all the distinguished guests, colleagues and friends who have supported the development of Tsinghua!
Tsinghua University’s decision to establish the School of Public Health reflects Tsinghua’s commitment to meet China’s major strategic needs and address global public health issues. As proposed by the 19th National Congress of the CPC, the Healthy China Initiative stresses that a healthy population is a key marker of a prosperous nation and strong country. A sound public health system is essential for a healthy China. The outbreak of COVID-19 has exposed the shortcomings in pandemic prevention mechanisms and public health emergency management systems, and has also revealed the significance and urgency of deepening our global cooperation in the field of public health security. Considering the major demands of the country and the demands for human social development, the Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University will include major disciplines such as preventative medicine, comprehensive healthcare, big data in healthcare, and public health policy and management. The School will develop backbone talent and leaders in public health and the advancement of scientific discovery and exploration, serve society and the nation as a whole, and promote global cooperation in a bid to develop itself into a modern world-class school of public health.
Patriotic dedication and the pursuit of excellence are magnificent traditions that Tsinghua University has formed for over a century. The Tsinghua community has an enduring and deep affection for their home and country. At every critical moment in the history of China’s development, they have striven for social commitment. As we approach the significant milestone of the first Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in 2021, Tsinghua University has demonstrated its indispensable responsibility to establish public health discipline from a stronger starting point and to promote the development of public health with greater determination. Tsinghua University established the School of Medicine in 2001, the Research Centre for Public Health in 2010, and the School of Clinical Medicine in 2016. In the fields of epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and health management, and social and behavioral sciences, Tsinghua has completed a sound teaching and research system and accumulated a great deal of experience. We are confident we can carry out in-depth and effective research on major challenges in the field of public health. While striving to provide strong support for the construction of the national epidemic prevention and national public health emergency management system, we will also contribute our own strength to safeguard the lives and health of all mankind.
We as human beings share one home, and share the same health concerns as well. Public health security is a common challenge to mankind. The pandemic has reminded us once again that in this community of a shared future for mankind, no country could cope with such global challenges alone, and no country could retreat back to being an isolated island. The common health and home for mankind should be built by all its members. We are all in the same boat, the misfortunes of others are our own, and we each have an inescapable duty. When the bell tolls, it tolls for everyone.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a disaster on a global scale. Universities are the lighthouse of human civilization, disseminating knowledge and culture to posterity, and illuminating a world improved by our individual and collective efforts. Facing such a grave challenge that concerns the future of mankind, universities must shoulder our due responsibilities.
There is the responsibility of conducting research to combat the pandemic. A month ago, on March 2nd, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Tsinghua University to inspect the scientific research on COVID-19 as well as the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. He gave full recognition to the research work of Tsinghua University in containing the epidemic.
There is the responsibility of overcoming difficulties to fulfill our educational commitment. On February 3rd, over 57,000 Tsinghua students, faculty, staff members and alumni representatives attended a special lecture through a live broadcast, marking the initiation of a massive, real-time and interactive online teaching transformation. The safety and well-being of the Tsinghua community remains our utmost priority as we dedicate knowledge and resources to pioneer technology for online education and shoulder social responsibilities. 3,923 courses began online as scheduled, and 147 clone classes were offered, to share educational resources with universities across China.
There is the responsibility of promoting global exchange and cooperation with an open and inclusive approach. On March 27th, the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) organized an online forum entitled “Universities Combating COVID-19”, which was attended by leaders from fifteen universities worldwide. Tsinghua University, which currently holds the Presidency of the AUA, announced the launch of the Spring Breeze (Chun Feng) Fund program to support joint research with international partners on COVID-19. The initiative was endorsed and generously supported by all participating universities. Italy has become severely affected by the virus. Antonio Fiori, representative of the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world, underscored the importance of cooperation as the only way to actively and effectively combat the virus.
We must stand more united than ever against the unprecedented global crisis. It is my firm belief that victory against this global pandemic is contingent on our cooperation, which is the most powerful weapon and the only effective course of action. Universities across the globe should come together to respond to the challenge. With sincere cooperation and extraordinary efforts, we will make unparalleled contributions to helping mankind conquer the global crisis.
Crises generate uncertainties while testing our willpower and belief. While the resolution of the pandemic remains out of sight, it is our unwavering belief that we will overcome it eventually. While the next crisis is beyond our foresight, we will be better prepared when the next outbreak comes. This pandemic prompts us to reflect deeply and draw profound lessons. Across the rapid development of civilization, nature has repeatedly issued warnings to mankind for our relentless demands and brutal conquests. The system was blinking red. This pandemic is yet another grave warning from nature. It reminds us once again that no matter what stage of evolution, no matter how much material wealth has been created, human beings cannot be “willful”. The ecological trauma created by human beings ultimately harms human beings ourselves. Only by respecting laws and fearing nature can human beings coexist harmoniously with their homeland on earth and have a safe, healthy and beautiful future.
The inauguration of the Vanke School of Public Health serves as an expression of our determination to shape a brighter future, and reaffirms our fundamental purpose to safeguard the health of mankind. Our conviction and enduring aspirations are the torches that illuminates the march of our progress and the sources of strength that stand us in good stead. A Chinese proverb tells us that “Nothing, not even mountains and oceans, can separate people with shared goals and vision.” Today’s gathering builds up the efforts of the like-minded. The belief and aspiration we share inspires us to stand united as one, and encourages us to forge ahead with our pursuit of excellence in meeting the needs of changing times. Together, we will advance the development of human health.
"Victory is ensured when people pool their strength; success is secured when people put their heads together.” Through the course of history, every major disaster has been weighed with meaning. The spirit of rationality, the power of science, and friendship are the bedrocks that have bolstered humanity in overcoming crises. Chinese civilization has an unbroken history of more than 5000 years. It is powerful evidence that the prosperity and growth of a nation emerges from hardships, and brings about ceaseless fortitude to endure vicissitudes. On this note, the development of universities over the past millennium further reinforces our role in confronting challenges – we are the guardians of human civilization in fulfilling the promise of a better future.
The year 2020 may well mark a historical watershed of human society. It is an undeniable truth that our thought-processes, decisions and action will be etched in living memory and collective history. At this moment, it is truly remarkable that we are witnessing and creating a historical legacy in collaborative efforts to safeguard global public health security and improve human health. Let us join hands to create a shared future for mankind!
