The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) has announced Mary Robinson (pictured), former Irish president, as the first keynote speaker of its fourth global summit, to be held at Qatar National Convention Centre on November 13 and 14.
WISH is an initiative of Qatar Foundation (QF). Robinson is currently a member of the Elders, a group of independent global leaders that includes former United Nations (UN) secretaries-general Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon, convened by Nelson Mandela in 2007 to tackle some of the world’s greatest challenges. Robinson was the first female president of Ireland, serving between 1990 and 1997. She has led a distinguished career, which has included serving as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She is also a recipient of the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience award, given in recognition of her work promoting human rights. As founder of the Mary Robinson Foundation for Climate Justice, which counts Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of QF, as a member of its international advisory board, Robinson has strong interest in the health impact of climate change. “I am honoured to be representing the Elders at WISH 2018 and look forward to discussing with global health leaders how we can accelerate progress towards universal health coverage. The Elders believe that this represents the best strategy to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal on good health and well-being,” Robinson said. WISH executive chair, Prof the Lord Darzi of Denham, noted: “We are delighted to welcome Mary Robinson to WISH 2018 to give a keynote address. With a long and distinguished career of championing human rights, social justice and healthcare issues at the highest level, she perfectly embodies WISH’s vision of bringing about a healthier world through global collaboration.”
Mary Robinson
