Mayors of Cologne and Baoding Unite to Launch Sister-City Pact in Regenerative Medicine and Autism Spearheaded by Prof. Mike Chan

COLOGNE, May 14, 2025 — The first day of the Gesundheitskongress des Westens 2025 concluded with a powerful diplomatic and scientific milestone, as Henriette Reker, Mayor of Cologne, and Yan Jihong, First Mayor of Baoding, China, came together to explore a sister-city partnership with a groundbreaking purpose: advancing stem cell research for autism treatment in China.

This initiative follows a week of high-level participation by a Chinese healthcare delegation, who travelled from Baoding to Germany to attend multiple forums, including the Chinese–German Health Bridge and panel sessions at the Western Health Congress, which drew over 800 participants and focused on innovation, AI, hospital reform, and regenerative medicine.

The proposed Cologne–Baoding partnership would focus on joint clinical research, cross-border trials, and medical knowledge exchange, particularly in the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where early breakthroughs in stem cell therapy are showing promise.

“This sister-city collaboration represents a pivotal step in uniting Eastern and Western expertise,” said Prof. Mike Chan, Chairman of European Wellness Biomedical Group, who played a key role in facilitating the talks.
“By pooling resources and knowledge, we can accelerate the development of effective stem cell treatments for autism, offering hope to families around the world.”

The discussion outlined the formation of a joint oversight committee, comprising medical leaders, city officials, and scientific advisers from both cities. The committee’s mission will be to ensure effective communication, guide research priorities, and develop a shared action plan for implementing regenerative therapies within ethical and regulatory frameworks.

The discussions stemmed from the momentum built earlier in the week at the Western Health Congress 2025, held at Cologne’s historic Gürzenich Hall. The congress, celebrating its 20th edition, has become one of Germany’s most influential platforms for healthcare reform and future-focused medical dialogue.

This year’s event gathered an impressive lineup of global thought leaders and innovators in health policy, biotech, and international diplomacy. Among the leading names include:

• Karl-Josef Laumann, Health Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia who addressed systemic health policy reforms across Germany’s regions.
• Frank Sieren, a renowned economic journalist and China expert, delivered a powerful keynote titled “China: Pioneer in Health Innovations?” In his address, Sieren examined how China transitioned from being perceived as a copycat economy to becoming a leader in health tech innovation. He later joined a high-level panel to offer sharp insights into China’s evolving role in global health, technology, and economic partnerships.
• Prof. Helga Rübsamen-Schaeff, a leading pharmaceutical innovator, known for her contributions to antiviral drug development and biotech entrepreneurship.
• Dr. Claus Biermann, MD, MPH, served as moderator for the panel session. As the Head of Healthcare for the Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade (BWA), Dr. Biermann plays a key role in connecting German healthcare diplomacy with international markets. With a background in both medicine and public health, he brings a unique perspective to economic development in the medical sector. His leadership at BWA underscores his importance as a bridge between policy, science, and global partnerships.
• Prof. Mike Chan, Co-Founder of European Wellness Biomedical Group, took the stage to advocate for greater global cooperation in regenerative medicine. He emphasized the need for international platforms to stem cell therapies for untreatable diseases and autism.

Baoding’s delegation included top medical figures such as Dr. Chen Yuping and Dr. Yang Jinlan, representing China’s largest pediatric and maternal hospitals. Their visit to Germany included site visits, panel participation, and bilateral discussions aimed at building long-term scientific relationships.

Mayor Henriette Reker praised the significance of the partnership beyond just science:

“Our collaboration with Baoding is not only about medical innovation — it’s about building trust and bridges between our communities. Together, we set an example of what cities can achieve when we focus on health, humanity, and shared purpose.”

Mayor Yan Jihong echoed the sentiment, stating that Baoding sees this initiative as part of a broader commitment to global cooperation in life sciences and children’s health.

With autism rates rising worldwide and conventional therapies offering limited outcomes, the Cologne–Baoding initiative reflects a bold new direction — one that combines research, cultural diplomacy, and patient-centered care. As Prof. Mike Chan noted during the panel:

“Stem cell therapy is not a dream for tomorrow — it’s a path we’re walking today. Partnerships like this one bring us closer to transforming lives through education awareness towards science.”

As the international healthcare community watches this collaboration take root, it may well become a model for how cities, scientists, and citizens can work together to redefine what’s possible in medicine