Global Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Health at 2025 World Health Summit
On the second day of the World Health Summit, global leaders gathered to reaffirm their commitment to health as a political priority and a cornerstone of peace and resilience. Against the backdrop of geopolitical crises, they called for shared responsibility in shaping a healthier, more resilient world.
Nina Warken, German Federal Health Minister, stressed the importance of cooperation and constructive dialogue in addressing global health challenges. She stated, “Only in this way can we overcome global health challenges.” Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management and Commissioner for Equality, emphasized the European Union’s commitment to strengthening preparedness and response capacities, as well as driving global solidarity through the new Global Health Resilience Initiative.
Leaders also underscored the importance of health security, sustainable financing, and global solidarity in building a stable and equitable future. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, called on all countries and partners to focus on what matters most: the people we serve. He stated, “We call on all countries and partners to focus on what matters most: the people we serve, and to harness the power of science, partnership and innovation to build a healthier, safer and fairer future.”
The World Health Summit also partnered with Gallup to launch their inaugural State of the World’s Emotional Health report. The report, based on 145,000 interviews in 144 countries and areas, revealed that peace, health, and emotional wellbeing are intertwined. It also highlighted the importance of investing in public health and strengthening primary healthcare systems.
The Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) also launched its 2025 report, outlining preparedness priorities to protect people worldwide from future pandemics and other health crises. The report calls for scaled-up investment in primary health care, real-time risk assessment, and international cooperation.
World Health Summit President Axel R. Pries emphasized the importance of resilient, inclusive systems, innovative financing, and genuine partnerships. He stated, “To tackle emerging threats like pandemics and the climate crisis, we need resilient, inclusive systems, innovative financing, and genuine partnerships that empower local leadership.” The World Health Summit aims to drive this change by fostering collaboration and keeping health high on the international agenda.
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