Wenzao Ursuline University’s French Professor Vincent Rollet Speaks Up for Taiwan at the World Health Assembly

During the session of the World Health Assembly (WHA), the STUF United Fund, Inc. hosted the “2025 WHA Global Forum – Reshaping Universal Health Coverage (UHC)” on May 20 at the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland. Co-organized with the Global Health Council (GHC), the forum showcased Taiwan’s active participation in multi-stakeholder platforms through its civil society, bringing Taiwan’s perspectives and experiences into the global push for Universal Health Coverage.
The forum was moderated by Eliana Monteforte, an American director of the Global Health Council, with former Vice President of Taiwan Chen Chien-Jen serving as the Asia-Pacific representative. He shared the rich achievements and future challenges of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance over the past 30 years, along with his extensive experience promoting UHC through platforms such as APEC and the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF).
Vincent Rollet, a French professor currently teaching in the French Department at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, also presented a paper at the forum. As a long-term French resident in Taiwan, Professor Rollet explored the roles of the current EU system in promoting UHC both within Europe and globally. Drawing on his research and observations in Taiwan, he offered valuable insights and gave voice to Taiwan on international public health issues.
Other speakers at the forum included Dr. Harjyot Khosa, Director of External Relations for the South Asia region at the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), who discussed gender health rights and models for regional cooperation. Yaye Sophiétou Diop, Director of Partnership and Development at Speak Up Africa, represented the African region and shared the effectiveness of behavior change communication in increasing public health coverage.
In a post-forum interview, Professor Rollet expressed his long-standing dedication to researching public health policies in both Taiwan and Europe. He emphasized the importance of building bridges between Taiwan and the world, offering shared solutions from a European perspective to foster global dialogue. He also noted the strong interest shown by scholars and attendees from around the world in Taiwan’s public health experience, particularly highlighting the enthusiasm of Taiwanese students who actively engaged in discussions during the forum. Professor Rollet stressed that the forum served as a vital platform for Taiwan to connect with the international community—fostering mutual understanding and allowing the world to hear Taiwan’s voice.