I was delighted to be received at the Philips Global Headquarters in Amsterdam, as my engagement with Philips continued into its second day, in the shared mission to advance the innovation, investment and partnership that bring care closer to those who need it most.

I was glad to meet with the Philips Foundation, in the company of Mr Victor de Boer, Program Manager, whose work to bring quality healthcare to underserved communities sits so closely alongside our own at the Wellbeing Foundation Africa. Our conversation explored how collaboration and locally rooted innovation can carry care the last mile, into the hands of the health workers and families for whom access remains hardest won.

It was a pleasure then to address Philips staff at an internal meet and greet town hall gathering, opened with gracious remarks by Mr Simon Braaksma, Global Head of Sustainability, and thoughtfully moderated by Dr Beatrice Murage, Global Director, Sustainability and Access to Care. To speak with those who give daily meaning to the purpose of better care for more people, and to share the frontline realities we witness in the communities we serve, was deeply moving, a reminder that durable progress rests on the dedication of those who choose to pursue it.

I am especially grateful for the warm welcome of Mr Marnix van Ginneken, Chief ESG and Legal Officer of Philips and Chair of the Board of the Philips Foundation, whose stewardship gives real momentum to the cause of health equity, and whose care for the communities we serve in Nigeria and across the continent was felt throughout.

With sincere thanks to the Philips Foundation and to all at Philips for such a generous welcome, and for the partnership we carry forward from here.

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