The 2024 Planetary Health Summit and 6th Annual Meeting (PHAM2024) commenced April 16, 2024 with a grand opening ceremony highlighting the paramount importance of collaborative efforts in tackling pressing environmental and public health issues.
The event witnessed notable figures from various sectors, including Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr. Zulkefly Bin Ahmad, and distinguished guests like Professor Johan Rockström and Hao Liang Xu, Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme.
Themed “From Evidence to Action: Confronting Reality,” PHAM2024 emphasised the urgent need to translate scientific findings into actionable solutions.
Co-hosted by the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health and the Planetary Health Alliance, the four-day summit aims to bring together experts from diverse fields, policymakers, educators, young leaders, communication specialists, and representatives from the private sector.
The focus is on converting evidence into practical measures, with key outcomes expected to include the Kuala Lumpur Call to Action and the Planetary Health Roadmap, both of which will guide collective endeavors towards a healthier planet.
A significant highlight of the opening ceremony was the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health (SCPH), Sunway University, and prominent organisations:
- WWF-Malaysia: The partnership signifies a joint commitment to address environmental and public health challenges. Through combined expertise and resources, Sunway and WWF-Malaysia aim to raise awareness about planetary health and drive initiatives from local communities to the global level.
- Pacific Disaster Centre (PDC): The MoU formalised an ongoing collaboration to address the impact of disasters on human health and ecological systems. SCPH and PDC will utilise their expertise and data-driven approaches to mitigate disaster risks and enhance resilience.
Speaking about the partnerships, Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University, expressed his satisfaction, emphasising the commitment of both WWF-Malaysia and PDC towards fostering a healthier planet.
Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, Executive Director, Professor Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of these collaborations in addressing critical planetary health challenges.
Additionally, WWF-Malaysia, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Sophia Lim emphasised the potential of the MoU to promote joint research and innovation, fostering global collaboration in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Pacific Disaster Centre, Executive Director, Ray Shirkhodai expressed optimism about the partnership’s ability to drive measurable improvements in planetary health, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier world.
The PHAM2024 Summit’s focus on collaboration and actionable solutions reflects a collective commitment to safeguarding the planet’s health and well-being for current and future generations.
