The aim of the conference was to draw lessons from the pandemic and prepare the global health community to build resilient, inclusive, and equitable health systems for the future. The conference provided a valuable platform to immerse in the world of global health, gain insights from leading figures, and connect with like-minded individuals committed to creating a healthier and more equitable world.
Active involvement of young people
The conference's emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and a holistic approach to global health aligns with shared values and aspirations. As we navigate the complex challenges ahead, a commitment to working alongside other young people and global health leaders to create a world where health is a universal right and gender equity plays a central role in achieving better health for all remains steadfast.
The conference's emphasis on the active involvement of young people in shaping the future of global health was particularly inspiring. The commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration among youth leaders from diverse backgrounds provided a platform for our voices to be heard and our perspectives to be considered.
Achieving health equity
The conference's opening remarks set a powerful tone, emphasizing the critical role of functioning health systems in ensuring public health and addressing global health challenges. The speakers' messages highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a holistic approach to achieving health equity.
Throughout the conference, diverse perspectives and expertise of the speakers were showcased, ranging from academics to government officials and healthcare practitioners. Professor Ole Petter Ottersen's call for a paradigm shift in global health governance, considering the interconnectedness of human, animal, and planetary health highlighted the need for a broader and more inclusive approach to global health issues.
Magda Robalo, Former Minister of Health in Guinea Bissau, presented a compelling argument for a shift in global health governance, particularly considering climate change, conflict, and the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Her words resonated aligned with broader concerns about the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the importance of empowering women to take on leadership roles in shaping global health policies.
Need for systemic change
The conference's focus on health inequities and the social determinants of health along with Helga Fogstad's 4Ps framework—Public budget, Peer pressure, Public empowerment, and Private investment—provided a concrete framework for addressing health inequities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility. Lumbwe Chola's insights into the role of political will, governance, legislation, and institutional design in addressing health disparities further underscored the need for systemic change to achieve health equity.
The conference's breakout sessions and plenary sessions provided a wealth of knowledge and insights into various aspects of global health, from resilient primary healthcare to decolonizing Nordic global health education. The speakers' emphasis on community engagement, sustainable structures, and innovative digital solutions highlighted the importance of context-specific and adaptable approaches to strengthening health systems.
The conference was organized by Global Health Norway, the Centre for Global Health at the Sustainable Health Unit, University of Oslo, and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.