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In light of ongoing global transformations — marked by shifting geopolitical dynamics, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the retreat of the US (among others) as a major sponsor of both the WHO and bilateral health programs — the global health architecture requires a major redesign and restructuring. Europe, with its strong tradition of research, medical innovation, and multilateral en-gagement, is uniquely positioned to play a decisive role in shaping the future of the global health ecosystem. This is a chance and a necessity.
Europe has both a moral responsibility and a strategic and economic interest in advancing global health. Strengthening health systems worldwide contributes to global stability, supports sustainable economic development, and helps prevent the cross-border spread of infectious diseases. In an in-creasingly interconnected world, Europe’s health security and resilience are closely linked to the ca-pacity of partner countries to detect, prevent, and respond to health threats. The economic develop-ment of Europe and European states depends on stabile international relations and the positive im-pact of its health innovation and industry sector.
The event aligns closely with the EU Global Health Strategy, which emphasizes strengthening global health governance, promoting sustainable and resilient health systems, and fostering multilateral cooperation. The strategy, adopted in November 2022 and reaffirmed in the 2025 implementation report, highlights Europe’s commitment to a more coordinated and strategic global health role.
This discussion will provide a strategic and confidential forum for dialogue among senior decision-makers from European institutions, the European Parliament, the Bundestag, leading companies, and academia. Together, we will explore how European actors can align efforts, deepen partnerships, and contribute to the development of resilient and equitable health systems worldwide.
Agenda
15:00 h Welcome & Opening Remarks
Axel R. Pries, World Health Summit
15:10 h Opening Keynote
15:15 h Panel I: Strategic Imperatives for Europe in the area of Global Health Resilience
Focus:
- Political and economic rationale for European engagement
- Europe’s evolving role in global health governance
- The EU and Africa
- Strengthening global health as part of foreign, security, and development policy
Speakers:
- Florika Fink-Hooijer, EU-HERA
- Pamela Rendi-Wagner, ECDC
- Carl-Philipp Sassenrath, MP
- François Delattre, France’s Ambassador to Germany
Open Discussion (approx. 45min)
16:45 h Coffee Break
17:15 h Panel II: Building Strategic Partnerships for a Resilient Global Health Ecosystem
Focus:
- Cross-sector collaboration: politics, academia, private sector, civil society
- Innovation and research as drivers of global health equity
- Beyond philanthropy: why Global Health is a strategic imperative
Speakers:
- Hans Kluge, WHO Europe
- Katja Pohlmann, German Federal Ministry of Health
- Hanna Hennes-Rauth, Sanofi
- Lisa Heinrich, Wellcome Trust
- Marc Schipmann, Siemens Healthineers
Open Discussion (approx. 45min)
18:45 h Reception
20:30 h End
Topics
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