The One Foundation visits the World Health Organization to revisit past collaborations and to discuss new ventures

With their latest collaboration barely one year old, the One Foundation and the World Health Organization meet again in Geneva to continue their mutual learning and guidance.

“When the foundation started, one of our first focus areas was mental health, and WHO was one of the first global leaders to guide us on our young venture.  Now, with the Sunshine in Your Heart project taking root in over 50 universities and with the foundation having experienced tremendous growth in the past year, we feel that it is time again to visit our friends and begin new initiatives that build upon past endeavors and utilize the foundation’s growing strength to delivery more impact.”

Mr. Jet Li’s sentiments find ready audience in many WHO friends, including the Assistant Director-General for Health Action in Crisis, Dr. Eric Laroche.  Through a formal presentation, representatives from the One Foundation provide a comprehensive update on the foundation’s rapid growth, strong accomplishments, and future vision, including a reinforced focus on improving mental health.

“Mental health is very important, especially as the increasingly urban lifestyle creates stress and pressure for our citizens.  Many people are not even aware that they have mental issues, and this is especially dangerous for youths.”

Referring to statistics and case studies, Mr. Li and the One Foundation team present their concern for the mental well-being of urban citizens and youths and ask the WHO to open considerations for opportunities to work with and guide the foundation as it prepares to find new solutions.

“We have just launched a fitness program together with Adidas that promotes mental health through de-stressing techniques and physical routines, but there is much more to be done”, notes Mr. Li.

With strong experience in combating mental illnesses, WHO experts on-scene find the foundation’s motivations and impact-driven approach resonating well with their own beliefs and readily share insights from past experiences.  In addition, they generously agree to begin their own due diligence to help forge a collaborative path forward.

“The WHO is more than ready to work with the One Foundation.”  The enthusiastic remark from Mr. Fu Cong, Advisor to the Director-General, summarizes the group’s parting sentiments.

Encouraged by WHO’s enthusiasm and support, the foundation has also extended an invitation for them to join the One Foundation philanthropy global forum in November.  In more ways than one, the foundation is poised to grow, and it has not only broadened its network but also deepened its relationship with friends and partners because it recognizes that, on this global trajectory, guidance from world-class leaders and experts is needed to ensure success. 

With Dudley McArdle_Advisor to the Assistant Director-General_Health Action in Crisis