The Health Leaders Forum, with its inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week, was launched on May 13, 2024. This event brought together 250 global leaders in the fields of healthcare and life sciences, from the public and private sectors, in addition to representatives from philanthropy and civil society, to discuss the urgent need to strengthen cooperation. Between various sectors to confront challenges and bring about a radical transformation in the global health system.
The forum, which bore the theme “Transformation in Global Healthcare Systems: From Health Care to Health Care,” highlighted the shift from the traditional disease response model to a proactive focus on holistic health promotion.
The discussions, which included four main themes, covered vital topics including public-private partnerships, ethics and standards in health care and life sciences, global health equity and sustainability, and technology, innovation and artificial intelligence.
The event, which featured more than 60 prominent speakers, included Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, Ahmed Jassim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, Badr Al Olama, Director Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population of Egypt, Adonis Georgiadis, Minister of Health of Greece, Dr. Muhammad Ali Patti, Minister of Health of Nigeria, Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Haya Bint Khalid bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Vice President of Strategy and Development at Hvolution Corporation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Michel Demarai, President of AstraZeneca in Belgium.
The opening session, titled “Fundamental Change: Will Philanthropies Lead the Future of Public-Private Health Partnerships?”, highlighted the importance of strong investment in overall population health, the transformative power of sustainable investing, and the need for a fundamental shift in health investment structures that includes redefining the role of Public-private partnerships to ensure equitable health outcomes globally.
Global thought leaders participated in the discussion, including Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Head of the Office of International Affairs in the Presidential Office and CEO of 2Point Zero in the UAE, and Monica Geingos, former First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Special Advocate of the United Nations Joint Program for Young Women and Adolescent Girls. At UNAIDS, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA Group and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation in Nigeria, and Badr Jaafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, and Special Representative for Business and Philanthropy.
During his discussion, Badr Jaafar stressed the importance of strategic partnerships between sectors and innovative financing models in creating sustainable positive change, noting the importance of having a shared vision for transforming health care, with clear and measurable goals focused on addressing social and economic disparities.
It is estimated that two billion people around the world lack access to basic health care. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the weakness of global health systems, underscoring the need for flexible and equitable access for all.
Jaafar said: “Open data standards and clarity of information, such as those established by the World Bank, constitute the basic foundation for building bridges of trust in health care partnerships between the public and private sectors. This transparency not only enhances accountability, but also ensures that projects are implemented effectively and accurately.”
He continued: “Strategic partnerships leverage the strength of each sector, with philanthropic giving providing entrepreneurial funding and early-stage innovation, while the private and public sectors bring their combined expertise and resources. At the regional level, the UAE supports multi-stakeholder partnerships. We are keen to Strengthening frameworks for action, embodied by the International Humanitarian Council, while recognizing the vital role of strategic philanthropy.”
The dialogue delved into the enormous potential for strong cooperation between different partnerships, especially between the public and private sectors, as the discussion touched on how these partnerships combine the vision and resources of the public sector with the expertise and innovations of the private sector, accelerating progress on both fronts.
The discussion also highlighted more broadly how engagement with local data and engagement with the community through public-private partnerships aims to develop sustainable solutions that empower populations and strengthen local, regional and global health capacities.
The discussion also touched on how multilateral partnerships, even at the local level, have a noticeable positive global impact, such as the “Last Mile” Fund, to which the UAE government pledged to allocate one billion US dollars, to combat neglected tropical diseases. Among other initiatives, the Global Institute focuses To eliminate infectious diseases, “Glide” in Abu Dhabi, which is unique in the region, aims to accelerate the elimination of infectious diseases, which still affect the most vulnerable communities in the world, for about 100 countries, in cooperation with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The plenary session, moderated by Hadley Gamble, Al Arabiya’s international lead anchor and host of The Hadley Gamble Show, provided in-depth details on the growing potential for strategic philanthropic investments as a key pillar of effective multilateral partnerships.
Commenting on the significant lack of funding and the urgent need for ample resources, Badr Jaafar said: “Charity has played a crucial role globally in supporting the progress of health care, especially in low-income and developing countries, where it is increasingly working to fill financing gaps.” In “In recent years, the top 100 private foundations and donors have contributed approximately $46 billion annually to health-related causes, representing nearly a quarter of all charitable donations globally.”
The session concluded by explaining how philanthropic capital complements government funding by filling gaps in disease prevention, scientific research, and education, as well as reducing risks for private investments, especially in early-stage innovative projects. Ultimately, philanthropic entities can ensure a focus on underserved communities, promoting greater equity in health care access and outcomes.
Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, delivered a welcoming speech to the distinguished attendees in preparation for the following sessions.
The Health Leaders Forum brings together global leaders to focus on how to address changes and challenges in global health. The Forum’s program facilitates the exchange of ideas and provides practical solutions for a healthier, more just world through insightful discussions, intense focus on specific issues, and strategic communication. The forum also provided a platform for establishing new partnerships and initiatives.
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