Patient Safety took center stage at the recently concluded 7th Global Ministerial Summit, held from April 3 to 4, 2025, at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Mandaluyong City. This landmark event brought together over 400 participants from 64 countries—all united under the theme, “Weaving Strengths for the Future of Patient Safety Throughout the Health-care Continuum.”
Crucially, the Summit convened leading voices in global health. Government officials, patient advocates, medical professionals, and international organizations gathered to assess the progress of the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030. At the heart of their discussions was a common concern: how to close the critical implementation gaps highlighted in the Global Patient Safety Report 2024.
A Global Call to Action
The Summit provided a platform to re-emphasize the urgency of reform. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), opened the conversation with a decisive message: “Patient safety must be a non-negotiable priority in all health systems, at all levels of care, in all communities and at all income levels.”
Accordingly, Summit leaders concluded the event by signing the Mandaluyong Declaration. This pivotal document urges health systems to enshrine patient safety as a pillar of resilience, equity, and people-centered care. Furthermore, it calls on stakeholders to uphold accountability. Likewise, it encourages the fostering of innovation. Finally, it stresses the importance of strengthening data-driven decision-making.
How Elite Translations Made Multilingual Dialogue Possible
At Elite Translations, we believe that global cooperation begins with understanding. That’s why we were proud to support this momentous event by providing simultaneous interpreting services—helping ensure that no voice was left unheard due to language barriers.
Specifically, we delivered expert interpreting across six key languages:
✅Arabic
✅Simplified Chinese
✅Spanish
✅Russian
✅French
✅English.
This multilingual support was instrumental in fostering engagement and inclusivity among the diverse range of international attendees.
Plus, to enhance the experience for remote participants, we also provided specialized equipment and integrated interpreting services into Zoom Business.
Patient Safety Across Platforms: Integrating Language Panels
To accommodate attendees who joined virtually, we helped implement a unique feature: Channel Panels, or language-based breakout rooms.
Basically, these virtual channels allowed participants to listen to the same live discussions in their preferred language, ensuring an equally rich experience whether they were in Manila or joining from across the globe.
For example, a delegate from Colombia could enter the Spanish panel, while a policymaker in Egypt joined the Arabic panel. Although each participant saw the same video stream, the virtual channels delivered audio in their preferred language. Evidently, this feature not only improved comprehension but also underscored the importance of equity in international discourse.
Recognition from the Department of Health
We were honored when Philippine Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa publicly expressed his gratitude to our interpreters during the Summit. His acknowledgment affirmed the often-unsung role that language professionals play in shaping the outcomes of high-level global events.
Such recognition is a reminder that interpreting is more than technical work. Instead, it is a service that facilitates diplomacy, fuels collaboration, and ensures the success of multinational cooperation.
Why Patient Safety Concerns Us All
Indeed, patient safety is not a topic reserved for doctors or health ministries alone. It impacts every individual—whether you’re seeking care, supporting a loved one, or leading a national health initiative. When healthcare systems are unsafe, the cost is measured in human lives, economic strain, and loss of trust.
The most vulnerable populations often suffer the most. Inadequate systems can lead to medication errors, surgical mishaps, and preventable infections. For this reason, the Summit’s renewed urgency around safety is not just timely—it is vital.
Championing Global Health Through Language
Elite Translations stands at the crossroads of global health and communication. For over 15 years, we’ve been a trusted partner in unlocking global opportunities through language. Our services are not merely transactional—they are transformational.
Events like the 7th Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety affirm why our work matters. When critical conversations are translated with precision and cultural sensitivity, policies become more inclusive, and global goals become attainable.
What’s Next for Patient Safety—and for Us
As future Summits continue to shape healthcare policy and action, Elite Translations remains steadfast in our commitment. We are here to support organizations as they navigate the complexities of multilingual collaboration—whether through interpreting, document translation, or digital language solutions.
Moving forward, we aim to contribute even more to initiatives that prioritize patient safety and health equity. Because communication should never be a barrier to care. And understanding should never be out of reach.
Ready to Elevate Your Next Global Event?
At Elite Translations, we don’t just provide language services—we create meaningful connections that transcend borders. Moreover, our expert interpreters and linguists are trained to handle high-stakes events with cultural sensitivity, accuracy, and professionalism. In addition, we offer cutting-edge technology solutions, including multilingual Zoom integration and on-site interpreting equipment, to deliver seamless communication—whether in person or online.
Let’s make your next event truly global. Contact Elite Translations today to learn how we can support your multilingual communication needs.
