GLOBAL HEALTH INITATIVE, WISH, HOLDS SPECIAL RESEARCH PREVIEW AHEAD OF 2015 SUMMIT
WISH experts share findings on global healthcare issues and announce new panel to investigate potential use of biotechnology in global healthcare
Doha, Qatar, 2 November 2014: The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), a global initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), held an exclusive preview of research and findings ahead of the 2015 Summit under the guidance of its Forum Chairs today.
In addition to the seven new research Forums, WISH announced a special panel on ‘Healthcare and Ethics’ in partnership with the Research Center for Islamic Legislation and Ethics (CILE), a centre of the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS) in Hamad Bin Khalifa University within Education City. The panel, which will take place during the 2015 Summit, will focus on the development and implementation of ‘Genomic Medicine’ and the innovation and ethical challenges behind this revolutionary new medicine.
Although Genomic Medicine raises complex ethical and religious issues, the potential it holds for future healthcare is immense. This is why “Genomic Medicine” is currently one of Qatar’s national priorities and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation and Founder of WISH, announced the ‘Qatar Genome Project’ at the inaugural Summit in 2013.
Today’s event is the first time the Chairs have been brought together for group workshops and open discussions. The insights unveiled today give an indication as to the final recommendations that will result from the 2015 Summit.
Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, President of Qatar Foundation, said: “Qatar Foundation is proud to have established WISH, which aims to ensure impactful outcomes in healthcare innovation in Qatar, the region and beyond. The second summit in 2015 will be crucial for the progression of collaborative action focused on innovative methods to solve today’s global healthcare issues. Central to this is the scope and influence of the unprecedented forum reports, a testament of the international collaboration at the heart of WISH’s mission.”
Professor The Lord Darzi of Denham, Executive Chair of WISH and Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College of London, added: “Today’s workshops are just the tip of the iceberg of the potential in each of our research forums. With sustained commitment and global collaboration, we can work together to find global solutions to healthcare issues affecting every country. I am truly excited by the work being done and believe the resulting reports will be a valuable asset for policy makers, thought leaders and governments around the world.”
WISH is a vital part of Qatar’s evolution from a carbon economy to a knowledge based economy and aims to diffuse healthcare technology through a global community of experts. Through WISH, Qatar Foundation is supporting Qatar’s pioneering role as an emerging center for healthcare innovation and is closely aligned to the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
For further information about WISH, please visit: www.wish-qatar.org and follow: @WISHQatar.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
For more information please contact:
Noha El Afify
WISH Communications Manager
nelafify@wish.org.qa
+974 7768 6624
About the World Innovation Summit for Health:
The World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) is a global healthcare community dedicated to capturing and disseminating the best evidence-based ideas and practices. WISH is an initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) and is under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, its Chairperson.
The inaugural WISH Summit took place in Doha in 2013 and convened more than 1,000 global healthcare leaders. Through annual Summits and a range of ongoing initiatives, WISH is creating a global community of leading innovators in healthcare policy, research and industry.
Together, they are harnessing the power of innovation to overcome the world’s most urgent healthcare challenges and inspire other stakeholders to action.
Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from a carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: Education, Science and Research, and Community Development. QF’s Education pillar brings world-class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. Meanwhile, its science and research pillar builds Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercializing solutions through key sciences. Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while also enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar’s heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.
For a complete list of QF’s initiatives and projects, please visit www.qf.org.qa.
For more information about Qatar Foundation please contact our press office at: pressoffice@qf.org.qa
