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

The 5th Global Health Forum: Addressing Climate Change Crisis

On November 1, 2025, the 5th Global Health Forum took place in Beijing, bringing together nearly 400 experts, academics, and representatives from 22 countries and regions. The forum aimed to foster discussions on innovative governance strategies for global health in light of significant challenges such as climate change. Under the theme "Climate Change and Health Responsibilities, Governance, and a Shared Future for Humanity," the event sought to highlight the urgent need for a coordinated global response to health risks posed by climate change.

In his opening speech, Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General and President of the Boao Forum for Asia, emphasized that climate change represents one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. He called on the international community to prioritize climate action—underscoring that the health implications of climate change, including the emergence of new diseases and exacerbated health disparities, could not be overlooked.

Li Luming, President of Tsinghua University, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating across various sectors to cultivate talent, enhance scientific and technological innovation, and deepen international cooperation. He reaffirmed the urgent need to work together to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

The forum also featured insights from Shen Hongbing, Vice Minister of the National Health Commission of China, who discussed the country’s efforts to develop a comprehensive framework for "mitigation, adaptation, and resilience" in relation to climate and health. Xiong Shaoyuan, Vice Administrator of the China Meteorological Administration, elaborated on the advancements in early warning services and intersectoral coordination that are improving China's capacity for climate and health governance.

Adding to the discourse, Saia Ma'u Piukala, Regional Director for the Western Pacific at the World Health Organization (WHO), reiterated the message that "climate is health," emphasizing the critical need for immediate and coordinated responses to safeguard health amidst climate challenges. Amakobe Sande, representative of UNICEF in China, highlighted the importance of building climate-resilient public health systems to protect the health and development of children, who are among the most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Margaret Chan, founding dean of the Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University and former Director-General of WHO, spoke about the ongoing commitment of the VSPH to support policy-making through scientific research, fostering leadership through innovative education, and gathering global wisdom via open collaboration.

The forum included three plenary sessions and a youth forum, which tackled pressing topics such as global health governance during the climate crisis, scientific evidence and risk assessment, educational cooperation and innovation, and youth-driven climate action. These sessions encouraged participants to brainstorm actionable strategies for addressing health inequities exacerbated by climate change.

Since its initiation in 2021, the Global Health Forum spearheaded by Tsinghua University has aimed to facilitate dialogue, promote academic exchange, and strengthen capacity development in health governance. It aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, advocating for a shared vision of a healthier global community for all.

As the discussions at this year’s forum concluded, there was a clear consensus that immediate action and international collaboration across political, health, and environmental sectors are essential to mitigate the health impacts of climate change and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.