Honorable Chancellor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

I am sincerely touched to be honored with such distinction from the School of Public Management in Health and University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Chisinau, here in Moldova.

Health is an essential building block for development, for an equitable, sustainable society, and we all understand the implicit link between health and happiness and well-being. Strong educational institutions are a vital part of any health system as it contributes, to ensuring that people enjoy the best possible level of health and well-being.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my respect for your hard work and dedication in nurturing new generations of health workers and leaders, and it is indeed a privilege for me to be welcomed into this community of higher learning.

This institution is a place of medical learning, built on a rich heritage. Within these walls, you have a team of dedicated professionals, who are committed to passing on their expertise and knowledge and who are passionate about inspiring the next generation to be outstanding health and medical professionals. 

I understand that this is a group of talented students, with high aspirations and a strong drive to obtain and use new knowledge. I encourage you all to take advantage of the resources available to you and prepare yourselves as well as you can, to pursue the common purpose, you share with your teachers ‑ the purpose of ensuring good health and well-being for all, at all ages. 

In accepting these honorary titles, I further my commitment to advocate for the right of all people to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health, address inequalities, and remove barriers to quality health care.  At the same time, I will focus my commitment on the importance of safe pregnancy and motherhood, vaccination, and the control of new, emerging threats, such as antimicrobial resistance.

I make this commitment as the patron of the World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, but also as a woman, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, as a friend and as a global citizen.

When we combine our efforts, we can truly achieve remarkable and sustainable development.

Thank you so much for your trust and the honor you have bestowed on me.