The 5th Global Health Forum: Climate Change as a Major Public Health Challenge

The 5th Global Health Forum: Focusing on Climate Change and Public Health

On November 1, 2025, the 5th Global Health Forum was convened in Beijing, drawing nearly 400 experts, scholars, and representatives from 22 countries to discuss pressing issues surrounding health governance in the context of climate change. The event's theme, "Climate Change and Health: Responsibility, Governance, and Our Common Future," highlighted the urgent need for collaboration in addressing public health challenges posed by a changing climate.

During his opening remarks, Ban Ki-moon, the former UN Secretary-General and current Chair of the Boao Forum for Asia, emphasized that climate change stands as one of the most significant public health threats of our time. He urged the international community to prioritize climate action and integrate health considerations into climate strategies. This strong message resonated throughout the forum, reinforcing the interconnectedness of climate and health.

Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating across sectors to cultivate talent, enhance scientific and technological innovation, and deepen international cooperation. He stressed the importance of ensuring a better future for humanity's health and sustainable development through joint efforts.

Shen Hongbing, Deputy Minister of the National Health Commission, spoke on China's initiative to develop a comprehensive framework encompassing mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to combat health impacts from climate change. In alignment, Xiong Shaoyuan, Deputy Administrator of the China Meteorological Administration, detailed how advanced early warning systems and strengthened intersectoral coordination contribute to effective climate health governance.

Saia Ma'u Piukala, the regional director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Western Pacific, reiterated the critical link between climate and health. He underscored the need for immediate and coordinated responses to the multitude of challenges posed by climate change. Meanwhile, Amakobe Sande, UNICEF's representative in China, called on nations to fortify climate-resilient public health systems to safeguard the survival and development of children in a shifting climate landscape.

The forum also featured noteworthy contributions from Margaret Chan, the founding dean of the Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University and former director-general of the WHO. She assured that the school would continue to support evidence-based decision-making while cultivating leadership through innovative teaching approaches and fostering global wisdom through open collaboration.

Structured around three plenary sessions and a youth forum, the forum addressed critical topics such as global health governance in the age of climate change, scientific evidence and risk assessment, educational cooperation and innovation, and youth-led action for climate initiatives. Discussions delved into the role of young people in climate advocacy, emphasizing their significance in confronting health challenges.

Since its inception by Tsinghua University in 2021, the Global Health Forum has aimed to facilitate dialogue, promote academic exchanges, and build governance capabilities within the health sector. Its objectives align with the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and contribute toward fostering a global community for health equity and effectiveness for all.

As global health challenges grow increasingly complex, collaborative efforts become ever more vital. This forum served as an important platform for constructing pathways toward a healthier planet amid climate uncertainties, showcasing the collective resolve of global leaders to confront these daunting challenges.