The 25th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion concluded in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time the Middle East hosted the event.
Over four days, more than 2,000 experts from 100+ countries gathered to discuss global health challenges and solutions focused on planetary health and wellbeing.
Key outcomes
Co-hosted by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) and the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), the conference produced 15 policy recommendations, 10 long-term partnerships, and 385 sessions. Discussions emphasized shifting from reactive healthcare to proactive health creation, prioritizing equity, climate resilience, and systemic change.
Major policy highlights included:
Digital health focus: Technology should support people, not replace care, ensuring access and affordability for all populations.
Climate-resilient cities: Promoting green, reflective, and tech-enabled urban designs to counter rising temperatures.
Mental health as a right: Integrating mental well-being into education, urban planning, and healthcare with inclusive participation.
Emergency preparedness: Strengthening health system capacity with mobile units, community response, and mental health support.
Systems shift: Moving toward addressing social and environmental factors to build health upstream rather than managing illness.
Leadership perspectives
Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said: “IUHPE 2025 has shown us that real progress in public health is only possible when we act together—across sectors, systems, and borders.”
Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of Community Health at ADPHC, added: “Health must be a fundamental right embedded into the environments we inhabit and the systems we design. We are no longer reacting—we are redesigning health itself.”
Strategic partnerships
Eight MoUs were signed between ADPHC and global health organisations, focusing on non-communicable disease prevention, women’s health, early screenings, and community wellness. These aim to support local impact and regional leadership in proactive care.
IUHPE President Sione Tu’itahi commented: “Abu Dhabi has redefined what global collaboration in health promotion looks like. The vision and collective resolve witnessed here will reverberate far beyond this conference.”
Abu Dhabi’s role as host has positioned it as a global centre for health innovation, equity, and resilience, setting a new standard for international cooperation in public health.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
