HK’s Institute of Philanthropy supports WHO efforts to aid victims of climate change

30-05-2024 08:00 HKT

Climate change is the greatest health threat of the 21st century and is expected to cause about 250,000 additional deaths between 2030 and 2050, according to World Health Organization (“WHO”) projections.

A delegation from the Institute of Philanthropy (“IoP”), a charitable organisation established by The Hong Kong Jockey Club and its Charities Trust, attended the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva this week, where climate change was a focus of discussion.

At the launch of the WHO’s Investment Round during the assembly, the IoP announced its first-tranche donation of US$1.23 million (about HK$9.6 million) to support the WHO’s efforts to improve the health of migrant and displaced populations in the context of climate change.

Director of the IoP and CEO of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges described the donation as a milestone for the IoP because it is the first time it has supported a project led by a United Nations specialised agency. It is precisely the type of globally impactful project the IoP was established to support, he added.

The IoP also partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to co-sponsor a side event on pandemic preparedness in support of the Global Health Emergency Corps (“GHEC”). The GHEC was launched by the WHO and its partners at the 76th World Health Assembly last year to promote collaboration across countries and health networks to strengthen emergency response at all levels.

The IoP was established in September 2023 through a strategic grant of HK$5 billion from the Jockey Club and its Charities Trust. With its mission as a leading “think-fund-do” tank for China and Asia, the IoP is dedicated to promoting philanthropic thought leadership and enhancing sector capabilities at local, regional and global levels in partnership with fellow funders. It seeks to provide an Asia-based platform bringing global stakeholders together to promote the betterment of societies everywhere.

(community information)

Dr Gabriel Leung, Director of IoP and Executive Director, Charities and Community of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, speaks at the celebratory launch of the World Health Organization’s Investment Round.

Dr Christopher Elias, President, Global Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (centre), and Dr Gabriel Leung (right) speak at a side event co-sponsored by the foundation and the IoP.