The event consisted of three sections: a palliative care talk, an arts exhibition and a banquet, drawing over five hundred participants. Representatives from over 40 mainstream media outlets were in attendance
Ms Lillian Yip, executive team member of the Beijing Living Will Promotion Association, said: “We are so proud that we had 113 artists from around the world join us to develop the arts exhibition, as well as the significant media coverage.”
The guest of honour at the event was the Professor Han Qide, Vice President of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Other VIPs attending the event included: Mr Anthony Ting Yuk Wu, chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce; Mr Jiefu Huang, vice chairman of Science and Health committee of CPCC; the members of National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xiaolong Zeng, a renowned movie and television director, and Ms Jiang Shan, a celebrated performing artist.
The aim of the event was to raise awareness of palliative care and to promote a natural, dignified death, keeping in mind the importance of personal wishes, while cherishing and loving life. Judging by the high attendance at – and media coverage of – the event, there is no doubt that this goal has been achieved.
A highlight of the event was the appointment by Mr Qide Han of Ms Jiang Shan as a palliative care ambassador, and Ms Kelan – an upcoming movie star – as a Living Will ambassador for the Association.
Given the success of this event, the Beijing Living Will Promotion Association plans to hold an international symposium to celebrate World Hospice and Palliative Care Day 2017.
Ms Yip said: “It is no doubt that this successful event – with strong support from government, media, NGOs, and art and culture – has already increased governors’ and policy makers’ interest in the issue of palliative care and living wills.
“We believe the day of implementing the recommendations of the association can be expected soon, with the development of economy and society, as well as an increase in public attention the quality of life in China.”
To find out more about the Beijing Living Will Promotion Association, including information on how to donate to this important work, on the Association website.
Leave a Reply