China Development Research Foundation   |   中文   |   Register   |   Login
Time:November 11-13, 2020
Beijing Diaoyutai State Guesthouse
Sponsor:Development Research Center of the State Council
Organiser:China Development Research Foundation
CDF WeChat
CDRF WeChat
CDRF Weibo
Latest from CDF Background Reports
Back to Latest from CDF List>

CDF Voice | Rich Lesser, Chief Executive officer of BCG: Be a positive force to help the global response of the health crisis

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic, we have been receiving video messages of support from our CDF delegates from top 500 companies, which have earlier contributed to helping China and now the world in coping with coronavirus. With the outbreak turned into a global crisis, we need more global endeavor and greater cooperation in the fight against the pandemic.


Today’s video is from Rich Lesser, Chief Executive officer of BCG.


He said that:“China’s successes teach us the lesson that we’ll need to remember long after public health has been restored, to survive and thrive in times of deep uncertainty, resilience and innovative leadership are of the greatest importance. I look forward to taking part in the China Development Forum in the future, when we can all continue to build relationships and learn from each other.”


When COVID-19 impacted China, BCG established a donation program to ensure a point-to-point delivery of important medical supplies. They have also supported the China Development Research Foundation to help the epidemic prevention in rural areas.



The following is the full speech.


BCG has been an active participant in the China Development Forum since 2013,and it’s unfortunate we won’t be able to get together this March.


It also saddens me to see how the current COVID-19 crisis is affecting many lives in China and around the globe.


Our thoughts are with those who are affected by this terrible pandemic.


Our 21,000 colleagues across BCG have been working rigorously to support our people and our clients, as well as to be a positive force in society to help communities respond and navigate this health crisis.


We believe by engaging directly with humanitarian efforts in a coordinated way, companies like ours can deploy our unique capabilities and resources where they are needed most.


In the past, BCG has played active roles in the fights against Ebola, malaria, and other health crises around the world, and we have learned a great deal from each case.


When COVID-19 impacted China, we established a donation program to ensure a point-to-point delivery of important medical supplies.


We have also supported the China Development Research Foundation, and we will keep leveraging our expertise to contribute to COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, supporting our clients here and around the world to help them navigate through this difficult time.


The encouraging news is that China appears to be in the early stages of an economic rebound from the COVID-19 crisis.


Although there’s much we still don’t know about the virus—and this initial recovery may be a fragile one. I think there’s a lot to be learned by how many in China’s business community have handled these recent challenges.


Above all else, China’s successes teach us the lesson that we’ll need to remember long after public health has been restored, to survive and thrive in times of deep uncertainty, resilience and innovative leadership are of the greatest importance.


The most effective leaders during this crisis have been able to keep looking ahead and anticipate the shifts to come, while proactively working to build clarity and security for their employees and adapt for their customers.


I am optimistic that China will continue to rebound from this crisis, and eventually so will the rest of the world.


I look forward to taking part in the China Development Forum in the future, when we can all continue to build relationships and learn from each other.


Thank you.