SATV Kathmandu, June 25: The First Himalayan Regional Public benefit Collaboration Forum, themed “Carrying Forward the Art of Qi Huang, Illuminating the Light of Life,” convened in Kathmandu on June 24, drawing wide participation from public health, traditional medicine, and cultural sectors across China and Nepal. The forum focused on strengthening collaboration in traditional medicine and enhancing public health across the Himalayan region.

The event was held under the guidance of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal and the Publishing and Distribution Department of China International Communications Group (CICG). It was co-hosted by CICG’s Western Europe and Africa Communication Center (China Today), the Wu Lien-Teh Public Welfare Foundation, and the Yunnan International Economic and Cultural Cooperation Center. The Araniko Society of Nepal, South Asia Network Television, and the Potala integrated media platform jointly organized the event.

With its main venue in Kathmandu and satellite venues connected via live stream in Beijing and Yunnan, the forum served as a vital platform to explore cross-border public welfare cooperation in traditional medicine and build mechanisms to improve regional healthcare access.

Traditional Medicine in Focus

Chinese Embassy Counselor Wang Xin delivered opening remarks on behalf of Ambassador Chen Song, emphasizing the importance of traditional medicine in fostering China-Nepal cooperation. “The Himalayas have not only shaped awe-inspiring landscapes, but also nurtured rich medical wisdom—including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Nepal’s Ayurveda,” he said. “By drawing from each other’s strengths, China and Nepal can revitalize traditional medicine and contribute to global development and health cooperation.”

Former Nepali Finance Minister Janardan Sharma echoed the sentiment, expressing strong interest in advancing grassroots health systems through joint initiatives grounded in traditional healing systems. He further noted the importance of traditional medications during civil war of Nepal and opined to uplift it’s significance throughout the world.

Speaking via video, CICG Deputy Director Yu Yunquan reaffirmed the group’s commitment to international outreach and public welfare. He said CICG would continue to support Sino-Nepali cooperation through its global communication platforms.

Voices from Both Sides

During a keynote session on “Shared Wisdom and Public Spirit in Traditional Medicine,” former Beijing University of Chinese Medicine president Xu Anlong emphasized the global value of traditional medical systems, calling for greater public-minded cross-cultural collaboration.

Sushil Prajapati, Chairman of the Araniko Association, described traditional medicine cooperation as a modern expression of the historic “Araniko Spirit”—a legacy of deep-rooted China-Nepal friendship.

Similarly, Dr. Harish Chandra Shah, Dr. Sarbottam Shrestha, Dr. Pradeep K.C., Dr. Jhularam Adhikari, Hu Qiang, Thong Cha, along with medical professionals from China and Nepal, cultural experts, public service leaders, government representatives, and business leaders held in-depth discussions on topics such as the need for public service support in traditional medicine, industry development and international coordination, public service broadcasting systems, human resource development, and remote medical consultation.

Launching Initiatives for Public Good

One of the forum’s highlights was the formal launch of several major public welfare projects:

The Wu Lien-Teh Public Welfare Education Center was officially unveiled. Supported by the Wu Lien-Teh Foundation and operated by the Araniko Society with communication support from South Asia Network Television, the center will lead initiatives such as remote healthcare and public health education.

A Public Welfare Communication Memorandum was signed by Potala Magazine, South Asia Network Television, and the Nepal-China Media Forum, officially launching a Himalayan Regional Public Welfare Cooperation Mechanism.

The Guizhou Bailing Pharmaceutical Group and Beijing Lianxin Charity Foundation announced initial donations of medicine and medical supplies to support joint China-Nepal public health projects.

The Yunnan International Economic and Cultural Cooperation Center presented deluxe English-language editions of Compendium of Materia Medica to five China-Nepal organizations, promoting the global dissemination of TCM knowledge.

A Shared Vision for Regional Cooperation

At the forum’s conclusion, representatives of the co-organizing institutions jointly released the Himalayan Regional Public Welfare Cooperation Declaration. The declaration pledged to integrate regional resources and promote sustainability through joint projects, talent development, and international outreach. It affirmed a shared commitment to building a healthier, more equitable, and more harmonious Himalayan region.

Lighting the Way Forward

“Carrying Forward the Art of Qi Huang, Illuminating the Light of Life” was more than a theme—it encapsulated the spirit of the forum. By bringing together ancient medical wisdom and modern public welfare, the event served as a testament to the enduring friendship between China and Nepal and the global vision of a shared human future.

From theory to practice, from mountain highlands to digital platforms, the forum infused traditional medicine with fresh vitality and laid a strong foundation for long-term regional collaboration. Though the forum has ended, its mission continues—illuminating lives across borders and moving forward together on the Health Silk Road.