South Korea has joined the executive board of the World Health Organization, allowing the country to play a leading role in resolving global health challenges.
The health ministry said decision was reached Tuesday during a virtual session of the 73rd World Health Assembly, during which 10 countries joined the board.
As a member, South Korea will actively share its experiences in dealing with the outbreak of COVID-19 and play a role in the post-coronavirus era as the world struggles to recover from the fallout of the pandemic.
It will serve on the board from this year through 2023, represented by Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip.
Board members can screen the WHO's budget and play an important part in policy implementation and strategy formulation.
This marks the seventh time that Seoul has joined the executive board since the country entered the United Nations body in 1949.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
