natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
It is an investment in human potential, in the strength of nations and communities, in the performance of the economy, and ultimately it is an investment in the security of states.
It is an investment in human potential, in the strength of nations and communities, in the performance of the economy, and ultimately it is an investment in the security of states.
My ambition when I served at WHO was to learn as much as I could about health even though I did not come from a health profession.
My ambition when I served at WHO was to learn as much as I could about health even though I did not come from a health profession.
One of my ambitions as Foreign Minister has been to capitalise on that knowledge in shaping a modern foreign policy.
One of my ambitions as Foreign Minister has been to capitalise on that knowledge in shaping a modern foreign policy.
In fact, what I learned at WHO – and what I observe daily as Foreign Minister – is this: the interdependence created by health issues is perhaps the most striking illustration of globalisation.
In fact, what I learned at WHO – and what I observe daily as Foreign Minister – is this: the interdependence created by health issues is perhaps the most striking illustration of globalisation.
National borders offer little or no protection against global health risks.
National borders offer little or no protection against global health risks.
National interests and national economies are highly dependent on local health conditions.
National interests and national economies are highly dependent on local health conditions.
Ultimately, states fail if the population’s health deteriorates – and states thrive if health improves.
Ultimately, states fail if the population’s health deteriorates – and states thrive if health improves.
There was a time when health officials regarded economists as “opponents”, since they saw funds allocated to health purposes as costs rather than an investment.
There was a time when health officials regarded economists as “opponents”, since they saw funds allocated to health purposes as costs rather than an investment.
Back in the 1950s, a prominent Norwegian public health pioneer identified economists as a greater threat to health than tuberculosis!
Back in the 1950s, a prominent Norwegian public health pioneer identified economists as a greater threat to health than tuberculosis!
But times and approaches have changed.
But times and approaches have changed.
Modern economics now teaches us the value of investing wisely in health, demonstrating how this can create both human progress and greater value – for all.
Modern economics now teaches us the value of investing wisely in health, demonstrating how this can create both human progress and greater value – for all.
Now, after almost seven years as Foreign Minister, I am more convinced than ever that improving health is crucial for achieving growth, development, equity and stability throughout the world.
Now, after almost seven years as Foreign Minister, I am more convinced than ever that improving health is crucial for achieving growth, development, equity and stability throughout the world.
Seeing contemporary security challenges through a health lens – as Norway did when we led the negotiations leading to the ban on cluster munitions in 2008 – may help change the perspective.
Seeing contemporary security challenges through a health lens – as Norway did when we led the negotiations leading to the ban on cluster munitions in 2008 – may help change the perspective.
It was precisely an emphasis on the unacceptable health and humanitarian costs of using such weapons that brought the ban about.
It was precisely an emphasis on the unacceptable health and humanitarian costs of using such weapons that brought the ban about.
I firmly believe that this is a vital perspective as we now seek to take concrete steps towards our goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.
I firmly believe that this is a vital perspective as we now seek to take concrete steps towards our goal of a world free of nuclear weapons.
We trade, we travel and we communicate more than ever and faster than ever.
We trade, we travel and we communicate more than ever and faster than ever.
The trans-boundary forces of globalisation are affecting the health of individuals and populations more profoundly than ever before.
The trans-boundary forces of globalisation are affecting the health of individuals and populations more profoundly than ever before.
And this reality is here to stay.
And this reality is here to stay.
It will not go away.
It will not go away.
It will further widen and deepen as new centres of growth develop in the East and South, and a number of large emerging economies gain strength.
It will further widen and deepen as new centres of growth develop in the East and South, and a number of large emerging economies gain strength.
We will continue to witness a turbulent path of human and economic development, as states continue to experience crises and growth, progress and upheavals.
We will continue to witness a turbulent path of human and economic development, as states continue to experience crises and growth, progress and upheavals.
This is happening while the world is warming rapidly, against a backdrop of continued steep population growth, a rapid process of urbanisation and increasing competition for limited resources – in particular for water and energy.
This is happening while the world is warming rapidly, against a backdrop of continued steep population growth, a rapid process of urbanisation and increasing competition for limited resources – in particular for water and energy.
In the face of this tide, we need to mobilise awareness of the right to health as a universal human right, a right that can protect both the individual and the community, a right that should guide the formulation of sound public policy, at national and international level.
In the face of this tide, we need to mobilise awareness of the right to health as a universal human right, a right that can protect both the individual and the community, a right that should guide the formulation of sound public policy, at national and international level.
The big picture for human development today is mixed, as I guess it always has been and will continue to be.
The big picture for human development today is mixed, as I guess it always has been and will continue to be.
Life expectancy is on average four to five years longer today than 20 years ago.
Life expectancy is on average four to five years longer today than 20 years ago.
Global GDP has almost tripled.
Global GDP has almost tripled.
We have made tremendous strides in dealing with a number of deadly diseases, in particular AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and vaccine-preventable diseases.
We have made tremendous strides in dealing with a number of deadly diseases, in particular AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Meanwhile, non-communicable diseases have become a major cause of death in many countries, particularly in areas where urbanisation is intensifying and people are embracing new lifestyles.
Meanwhile, non-communicable diseases have become a major cause of death in many countries, particularly in areas where urbanisation is intensifying and people are embracing new lifestyles.
Development is still profoundly uneven and unbalanced.
Development is still profoundly uneven and unbalanced.
More than a billion go hungry to bed every day.
More than a billion go hungry to bed every day.
And more than a billion are overweight – what a telling contrast.
And more than a billion are overweight – what a telling contrast.
Malnutrition used to mean not having enough food.
Malnutrition used to mean not having enough food.
Today, it often means getting too much of the wrong food.
Today, it often means getting too much of the wrong food.
In many places, the cheapest food – or the most attractive for those who are gaining purchasing power – is high in calories and sugar, and low in nutrients.
In many places, the cheapest food – or the most attractive for those who are gaining purchasing power – is high in calories and sugar, and low in nutrients.
The result is an epidemic of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
The result is an epidemic of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
And the heightened expectations of access to health care of billions of people who are rising out of abject poverty are creating a tremendous financial and political challenge for governments in developing countries, which continue to face the so-called “double burden of disease”.
And the heightened expectations of access to health care of billions of people who are rising out of abject poverty are creating a tremendous financial and political challenge for governments in developing countries, which continue to face the so-called “double burden of disease”.
One fact remains unchanged: poverty continues to be the main cause of ill health.
One fact remains unchanged: poverty continues to be the main cause of ill health.
But the nature of poverty is changing.
But the nature of poverty is changing.
The greatest inequalities today are found within countries rather than between countries.
The greatest inequalities today are found within countries rather than between countries.
Talking about rich countries versus poor countries gives little meaning.
Talking about rich countries versus poor countries gives little meaning.
Rather we see various degrees of wealth and poverty within every country.
Rather we see various degrees of wealth and poverty within every country.
The largest number of people living in absolute poverty is now to be found in middle-income countries.
The largest number of people living in absolute poverty is now to be found in middle-income countries.
This creates serious challenges in terms of equity and stability.
This creates serious challenges in terms of equity and stability.
In addition to these urgent issues, you know – and the rest of us should know - that the causes of non-communicable diseases are not from within the health sector itself.
In addition to these urgent issues, you know – and the rest of us should know - that the causes of non-communicable diseases are not from within the health sector itself.
They are due to complex aspects of society and human activity.
They are due to complex aspects of society and human activity.
But the health sector is left to deal with the consequences.
But the health sector is left to deal with the consequences.
Health ministers and health officials even have to take the blame for shortcomings in an overburdened health sector.
Health ministers and health officials even have to take the blame for shortcomings in an overburdened health sector.
So, the political focus needs to be broadened beyond the health sphere.
So, the political focus needs to be broadened beyond the health sphere.
We need to drive home the evident fact that prevention is far better than cure.
We need to drive home the evident fact that prevention is far better than cure.
WHO is taking the right strategic direction by highlighting chronic diseases as one of five priority areas, and last year the UN broadened its perspective on these challenges.
WHO is taking the right strategic direction by highlighting chronic diseases as one of five priority areas, and last year the UN broadened its perspective on these challenges.
All of this is part of the complex picture facing decision makers and political leaders today.
All of this is part of the complex picture facing decision makers and political leaders today.
It is also part of the reason why health policy and foreign policy have become so intertwined.
It is also part of the reason why health policy and foreign policy have become so intertwined.
In 2006 Foreign Ministers from France, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Senegal, Brazil and Norway forged a network on foreign policy and health.
In 2006 Foreign Ministers from France, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Senegal, Brazil and Norway forged a network on foreign policy and health.
We all came from different backgrounds, we had different experiences, but we had common interests and a shared vision.
We all came from different backgrounds, we had different experiences, but we had common interests and a shared vision.
In 2007 we adopted the Oslo Declaration on Foreign Policy and Global Health, setting out the direction for our work.
In 2007 we adopted the Oslo Declaration on Foreign Policy and Global Health, setting out the direction for our work.
We meet from time to time at ministerial level, but - more importantly - a network of experts has emerged from our foreign and health ministries, who are creating new bridges and interconnections between countries with different experiences, and are thus helping forge new consensus when this is needed in broader international contexts.
We meet from time to time at ministerial level, but - more importantly - a network of experts has emerged from our foreign and health ministries, who are creating new bridges and interconnections between countries with different experiences, and are thus helping forge new consensus when this is needed in broader international contexts.
My experience is that fellow foreign ministers are becoming increasingly aware of these issues.
My experience is that fellow foreign ministers are becoming increasingly aware of these issues.
On 1 June in Oslo, Secretary Clinton and I will host a conference on charting a new path in global health – more specifically on gender equality, and women’s and children’s rights and health.
On 1 June in Oslo, Secretary Clinton and I will host a conference on charting a new path in global health – more specifically on gender equality, and women’s and children’s rights and health.
Similar focus can be noted across the world.
Similar focus can be noted across the world.
The underlying analysis is that the key challenge for political decision makers is to further broaden the perspective and address health issues in the context of other sectors in addition to the health sector itself.
The underlying analysis is that the key challenge for political decision makers is to further broaden the perspective and address health issues in the context of other sectors in addition to the health sector itself.
As in other areas of international relations, we need stronger global traffic rules that take health properly into account rather than siding with other narrow interests.
As in other areas of international relations, we need stronger global traffic rules that take health properly into account rather than siding with other narrow interests.
My country, Norway, is generally faring well in comparison with other states.
My country, Norway, is generally faring well in comparison with other states.
But we too need to mobilise efforts against the tide of chronic diseases.
But we too need to mobilise efforts against the tide of chronic diseases.
For some time now, Norway has had a ban on advertising tobacco and alcohol products in order to reduce consumption.
For some time now, Norway has had a ban on advertising tobacco and alcohol products in order to reduce consumption.
Predictably, tobacco and alcohol companies have challenged these measures, citing provisions of trade and other international agreements.
Predictably, tobacco and alcohol companies have challenged these measures, citing provisions of trade and other international agreements.
As we speak, Norway, as well Australia, the UK and Uruguay, is facing lawsuits from tobacco companies seeking to limit the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, adopted by the member states of WHO some nine years ago.
As we speak, Norway, as well Australia, the UK and Uruguay, is facing lawsuits from tobacco companies seeking to limit the implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, adopted by the member states of WHO some nine years ago.
When tobacco and alcohol companies try to force us to choose between respecting global trade agreements and protecting our people’s health, our answer is that we must and can do both.
When tobacco and alcohol companies try to force us to choose between respecting global trade agreements and protecting our people’s health, our answer is that we must and can do both.
We must dismiss the notion that it is not possible to protect public health in a way that is compatible with our trade agreement obligations.
We must dismiss the notion that it is not possible to protect public health in a way that is compatible with our trade agreement obligations.
Because the purpose of trade is to enhance our economies.
Because the purpose of trade is to enhance our economies.
Not to harm the health of our people.
Not to harm the health of our people.
This conflict of interest is a familiar one to the global health community.
This conflict of interest is a familiar one to the global health community.
And there are lessons to be learned when it comes to holding the commercial sector to account in relation to other products and production methods that severely affect public health.
And there are lessons to be learned when it comes to holding the commercial sector to account in relation to other products and production methods that severely affect public health.
In short, we need regulations that can match the forces of globalisation.
In short, we need regulations that can match the forces of globalisation.
As ministers we cannot allow democratic policies to lag behind global market forces.
As ministers we cannot allow democratic policies to lag behind global market forces.
As we so often hear, we live in an interdependent world.
As we so often hear, we live in an interdependent world.
The SARS epidemic, which erupted in November 2002, spread to over 25 countries during the course of a few weeks.
The SARS epidemic, which erupted in November 2002, spread to over 25 countries during the course of a few weeks.
It disrupted travel, trade and other activities.
It disrupted travel, trade and other activities.
It created huge health policy challenges for individual countries.
It created huge health policy challenges for individual countries.
It reminded us of how closely knit our lives are.
It reminded us of how closely knit our lives are.
In 2008, the World Bank estimated that a deadly flu pandemic could cost USD 3 trillion, and result in close to a 5 % drop in world GDP.
In 2008, the World Bank estimated that a deadly flu pandemic could cost USD 3 trillion, and result in close to a 5 % drop in world GDP.
In other words, we could face a global economic crisis even worse than the one we have experienced over the past five years.
In other words, we could face a global economic crisis even worse than the one we have experienced over the past five years.
I mentioned traffic rules.
I mentioned traffic rules.
In recent years, WHO has contributed to the development of two major international instruments to improve health security: the International Health Regulations and the Pandemic Influenza Framework.
In recent years, WHO has contributed to the development of two major international instruments to improve health security: the International Health Regulations and the Pandemic Influenza Framework.
The transition period for implementing the core capacities established by the International Health Regulations is coming to a close this year, and a large number of countries have not yet implemented them.
The transition period for implementing the core capacities established by the International Health Regulations is coming to a close this year, and a large number of countries have not yet implemented them.
Progress in the implementation of the Pandemic Influenza Framework has also been slow.
Progress in the implementation of the Pandemic Influenza Framework has also been slow.
Maintaining momentum on these two instruments should be a high priority for WHO and all its member states.
Maintaining momentum on these two instruments should be a high priority for WHO and all its member states.
In fact, these instruments reflect WHO’s unique role in protecting the health of our people.
In fact, these instruments reflect WHO’s unique role in protecting the health of our people.
If we fail to develop such vital traffic rules for our interconnected world, we will be failing in our responsibility as ministers.
If we fail to develop such vital traffic rules for our interconnected world, we will be failing in our responsibility as ministers.
We will then see how national, short-term and commercial interests constantly trump the common good and take precedence over sustainable, long-term solutions to supra-national problems.
We will then see how national, short-term and commercial interests constantly trump the common good and take precedence over sustainable, long-term solutions to supra-national problems.
From what I have said so far, it might seem that a partnership between health and foreign policy will only be a defensive one – a partnership to face serious threats.
From what I have said so far, it might seem that a partnership between health and foreign policy will only be a defensive one – a partnership to face serious threats.
Yes, there is a lot that needs to be defended.
Yes, there is a lot that needs to be defended.
But the interplay between health, economic and foreign policy also offers real opportunities for economic and social progress.
But the interplay between health, economic and foreign policy also offers real opportunities for economic and social progress.
In 1993, the World Bank published its paradigm-changing World Development Report Investing in Health.
In 1993, the World Bank published its paradigm-changing World Development Report Investing in Health.
That report, together with subsequent findings included in the 2001 report of the WHO Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, provided strong indications of the link between improved health and increased productivity.
That report, together with subsequent findings included in the 2001 report of the WHO Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, provided strong indications of the link between improved health and increased productivity.
Over the last 20 years, we have built up an impressive body of evidence about the role of health as a driver of economic growth and social development.
Over the last 20 years, we have built up an impressive body of evidence about the role of health as a driver of economic growth and social development.
Today we know beyond doubt that – together with investments in education – wise investments in health provide impressive returns in the form of increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, reduced turnover of staff and greater ability to attract investment.
Today we know beyond doubt that – together with investments in education – wise investments in health provide impressive returns in the form of increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, reduced turnover of staff and greater ability to attract investment.
Inspired by the progress they have achieved in controlling epidemics, immunising children and reducing mortality through effective and affordable treatment regimes, several middle-income countries have significantly boosted their health spending in recent years.
Inspired by the progress they have achieved in controlling epidemics, immunising children and reducing mortality through effective and affordable treatment regimes, several middle-income countries have significantly boosted their health spending in recent years.
In fact, the success of emerging states in increasing their public health budgets – look to India, China, Brazil and South Africa, to mention just the largest countries – is a telling illustration.
In fact, the success of emerging states in increasing their public health budgets – look to India, China, Brazil and South Africa, to mention just the largest countries – is a telling illustration.
And - yes – a number of the poorest countries have also improved public health to a remarkable extent in relation to their growth rates and aid levels.
And - yes – a number of the poorest countries have also improved public health to a remarkable extent in relation to their growth rates and aid levels.
These achievements are not a coincidence.
These achievements are not a coincidence.