Strengthening One Health Governance: A Global Imperative

In an increasingly interconnected world, the health of humans, animals, and the environment is inextricably linked. Recognizing this critical relationship, the Quadripartite collaboration—comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)—is co-hosting a pivotal event alongside the government of Brazil during its G20 Presidency. This gathering aims to underscore the essential role of robust One Health governance as the foundation for effective actions at global, regional, and national levels.

The Significance of One Health Governance

One Health is a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly illustrated the consequences of neglecting this interconnectedness, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated governance that transcends traditional sectoral boundaries. The upcoming event will serve as a platform to discuss how strong governance frameworks can facilitate collaborative efforts, enabling countries to respond more effectively to health crises and mitigate future risks.

Ministerial Insights from G20 Countries

A key feature of this event will be the participation of ministerial-level speakers from various G20 nations. These leaders will share their experiences in implementing One Health strategies across different sectors, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and successes encountered along the way. By fostering dialogue among these nations, the event aims to identify best practices and innovative solutions that can be adapted and scaled to generate greater impact.

A Diverse Panel of Experts

The event will be moderated by Amb. Alexandre Peña Ghisleni from the G20 Secretariat in Brazil, setting the stage for a rich exchange of ideas. The welcome address will be delivered by Brazil’s Minister of Health, who will outline the country’s commitment to advancing One Health initiatives under its G20 Presidency.

Opening remarks will feature prominent figures in global health governance, including:

• Dr. Michael Ryan, Deputy Director-General and Executive Director for WHO Health Emergencies Programme (TBC)
• Dr. Emmanuelle Soubeyran, Director General of WOAH
• Mr. Thanawat Tiensin, Assistant Director General and Director of the Animal Production and Health Division
• Ms. Ligia Noronha, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Head of UNEP, New York Office

These leaders will provide context for the discussions, emphasizing the importance of collaborative governance in addressing health challenges that span multiple sectors.

Voices from the Ground

The panel will feature a diverse array of health ministers from G20 countries, including:

• Nísia Trindade Lima, Ministry of Health, Brazil
• Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health, Italy
• Ana Paula Martins, Minister of Health, Portugal
• Pakishe Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, South Africa (TBC)
• Cho Kyoo-hong, Minister of Health, South Korea (TBC)

These ministers will share their unique perspectives on the implementation of One Health strategies, highlighting the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving health outcomes. Their experiences will serve as case studies for other nations looking to enhance their own One Health governance frameworks.

The Path Forward

As the world grapples with the ongoing impacts of climate change, pandemics, and biodiversity loss, the need for a cohesive One Health approach has never been more pressing. The event co-hosted by the Quadripartite collaboration and the Brazilian government represents a significant step toward fostering a global dialogue on One Health governance.

By bringing together leaders from various sectors and countries, this event aims to catalyze action and inspire a collective commitment to safeguarding the health of people, animals, and the planet. The insights gained from this gathering will not only inform policy decisions but also lay the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable future.

In conclusion, the upcoming event is not just a meeting of minds; it is a call to action for nations to embrace the One Health approach as a fundamental principle of governance. As we move forward, it is imperative that we recognize our shared responsibility in promoting health across all domains, ensuring a healthier world for generations to come.