We must, if our claims of wanting improved health for all shall have any meaning. The World Economic Forum is now, above all else, about globalization. And no issue is as global as health. The separation between domestic and international health problems is losing its usefulness as people and goods travel across continents. This is an accelerating trend, and is not likely to be reversed.
Health is tradable as is ill-health.
Health may indeed be the single most important bridge to tie together whether we like it or not the destinies of the fortunate and the unfortunate. The private sector has an important role to play. No UN agency, no non-governmental organization indeed, no health ministry, has the reach and the distribution power of the giant, multinational food and beverage companies, many of whom are represented here tonight. The quality of their products, the slant of their marketing, the values that make up their approach to developing country markets, can all make a difference in the health of whole populations. Even in a world where shareholder values are king, food and beverage companies have a responsibility to contribute to global health gains through better nutrition.