#Switzerland #Geneva #WHO #Climate-Health Initiative #Proactive Health

WHO Collaborates with Chinese and European Partners for Climate-Health Initiative

On July 1, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) held a pivotal roundtable discussion in Geneva, Switzerland, entitled "Roundtable on 1.5°C Proactive Health." This event, a collaboration between cities and research institutions from China and Europe, aimed to pave the way for innovative approaches to health in the context of climate change.

The gathering was jointly organized by WHO's Collaborating Centre for Universal Health Coverage and the Ningyuan Institute of Climate and Sustainable Development, focusing on establishing the Geneva 1.5°C Proactive Health Initiative. This initiative marks the first transnational platform merging academia, industry, and government efforts to address climate-health governance in urban areas. It underscores a significant commitment to proactive health measures as part of global climate policy.

Core Themes Explored

During the roundtable, discussions revolved around three critical themes:
1. 1.5°C Proactive Health Paradigm: Experts introduced a holistic framework that emphasizes the health advantages of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. WHO representatives illustrated how climate-related risks exacerbate health issues, such as respiratory conditions and malnutrition, identifying air pollution as a major contributor to premature deaths worldwide.
2. Transformative Innovations 'From Lab to Community': Various institutions from both China and Europe presented evidence-based case studies showcasing successful strategies to enhance air quality, develop green hospital initiatives, and promote healthy eating. These presentations highlighted the potential for turning scientific advancements into practical solutions that directly benefit communities.
3. Urban Actions 'Bridging the Last Mile': Focus was placed on municipal-level strategies from cities like Baoting and Vichy, showcasing their climate-adaptive health planning efforts. These initiatives underline the necessity for local governments to adopt innovative health management practices.

Major Outcomes of the Initiative

The Geneva 1.5°C Proactive Health Initiative was officially launched, encompassing three primary pillars:

• - Shared Vision & Rationale: A collective recognition of the need for a transformative approach centered on addressing health risks brought on by climate change.
• - Research & Practice Advancement: A commitment to bolster evidence-based research and implement the proactive health strategy, which includes fostering climate-resilient health systems and integrating proactive interventions across multiple sectors, like nutrition and community health.
• - Global Alliance for Collaboration: The formation of the "1.5°C Proactive Health International Alliance" aims to enhance cooperation across disciplines by uniting partners in research, urban development, and industrial synergies to tackle health issues stemming from climate impacts.

Strengthening China-Europe Collaboration

Both Baoting in China and Vichy in France have signed a Letter of Intent to bolster cooperation in several key areas, such as integrating traditional medicine with modern health practices, enhancing the exchange of healthcare professionals, and fostering scientific research dedicated to proactive health.

Dr. Maria Neira from the WHO praised this ambitious initiative, commending its innovative approach and extensive collaboration among stakeholders. The roundtable featured insights from leading experts about shifting healthcare models from a passive to a proactive paradigm, which emphasizes lifecycle health management and intersectoral coordination.

Key takeaway insights included:

• - The urgent need for multi-sector collaborations to combat the health risks associated with air pollution.
• - Highlighting the role of proactive health innovations in transforming community health landscapes.
• - Focusing on the successes and lessons learned from existing models like that of Vichy’s thermal spring-based health initiatives, which intertwine wellness with urban planning.

Next Steps Toward a Sustainable Future

Looking ahead, the WHO and its partners are set to initiate the China-EU Proactive Health Research Initiative in 2025. Planned efforts involve designating Baoting, Hainan, as a pilot zone for the 1.5°C Proactive Health framework, promoting cross-border projects in natural therapies and digital health solutions. As these efforts unfold, they represent a significant moment in the global health discourse whereby the fallout of climate change is addressed with innovative, multi-stakeholder strategies.

This initiative illustrates a concerted effort from global leaders to harness their combined strengths, paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future in the ever-evolving context of climate change.