Asia Society Thanks Trustees, Advisors, and Staff for Aiding U.S. Fight Against COVID-19

NEW YORK, MAY 6, 2020 – Asia Society today thanked its staff, advisors and Trustees for their efforts to help Americans fight COVID-19, and to source lifesaving medical supplies.

“Asia Society was founded in the United States and is proud to stand with and help Americans in this moment of crisis,” said President and CEO Josette Sheeran. “We were launched 64 years ago, in the ashes of World War II, to help this country navigate future world crises, and COVID-19 is one of the toughest battles we have fought so far.”

Early in the fight against COVID-19, Asia Society was asked by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to help New York access life-saving supplies. “We went to the Asia Society to help us navigate China,” Cuomo said, an outreach effort that led to Asia Society playing a significant role in helping source lifesaving PPE’s and ventilators.

“We have been honored to activate our leadership and global networks,” said Sheeran, “to help New York, California and other states to successfully source more than 30 million units of protective equipment. We are proud to stand together with America’s first responders and all Americans.”

States have had to compete with the rest of the world in securing vital equipment – from masks to gowns to ventilators – during a profound crisis in which demand vastly outstripped supplies and capacity. This was complicated by rising tensions between the United States and China over the origins and management of the COVID-19 outbreak, and the fact that more than 90 percent of the needed medical equipment is produced in China.

“When the call came to help New York, we activated our staff and networks to help ensure access to reliable personal protective equipment, and to provide top-level policy recommendations,” said Sheeran.

Governor Cuomo addressed Asia Society’s global Board of Trustees on March 15, asking them to support New York’s efforts in the fight against the coronavirus outbreak.

Three weeks later Cuomo publicly thanked Asia Society. “This is a big deal,” Governor Cuomo said. “And it’s going to make a significant difference for us.”

Cuomo also thanked Asia Society Trustee Michael Evans and Asia Society Chief of Staff Elizabeth Jennings for their critical assistance. California Governor Gavin Newsom also singled out Asia Society for its work in helping his state access vital equipment for its health care workers.

Find out more about Asia Society's latest content, programs, and thought leadership related to COVID-19 here.