On April 19, Dr. Margaret Chan, member of BFA Council of Advisors, Honorary Director General of the World Health Organization, and President of Global Health Forum shared her insights in the sub-forum of Boao Forum for Asia 2021: “Bracing the Aging - Management of an Aging Society ".

"Aging is a big topic that I have been focusing on for many years. Population aging is further intensifying globally now, and almost every country in the world is under the strain of effectively managing its aging population. Access to high-quality health care and stable old-age pension matters the most for the elderly”. Dr. Margaret Chan said, "I hope that the government, society, enterprises, the market and individuals can work together to deliver a diversified and multi-layered health system that can meet the needs of people."

 She said that although national conditions and health insurance models vary in different countries, in the long run, a multi-pillar pension insurance system is in the long-term interest if it can integrate the strengths of all parties. Putting a multi-pillar pension insurance system in place is a path we have to take on as we respond to the aging phenomenon and pursue the sustainable development of pension insurance. Internationally, a pension insurance system in which the state, organizations working for and individuals share the responsibility is adopted around the world as it is relatively sustainable and resilient in risk control.

Dr. Margaret Chan pointed out, despite the fact that China’s pension insurance system has covered the largest number of people, the system of individual savings pension insurance is still in its infancy. We need a more balanced and deepening development to meet the individuals’ diverse needs. In this regard, the response from one party is not enough, and it has to come from government, society, enterprises and the market. Each young person shall take personal responsibility and plan their medical and pension plans in a scientific and reasonable manner so that everyone can enjoy a happy old age.