Plenary 1: Transforming economies for planetary health and well-being 

Wednesday 12 November, 14:00 – 15:00 Helsinki time

Organised by European Commission

 

Background

Planetary health interconnects human well-being with nature, securing a sustainable future and contributing to economic stability and growth. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities of our health systems and the interdependence of global health and economic resilience. Key initiatives - such as the Pandemic Agreement, global efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance, or the European Health Data Space - offer a unique opportunity to reshape our economic models with planetary health and well-being at their core. These initiatives can catalyse a broader economic transformation - one that values health as an investment rather than a cost, embraces digital and green innovation, and places planetary well-being at the centre of policy and progress.

Ms Gallina, Director General for Health and Food Safety, DG SANTE, introduces the topic of the session and sets the scene for further discussion. She will highlight key EU achievements from recent years, including the EU’s pivotal role in amending the International Health Regulations, negotiating the Pandemic Agreement, and advancing the development of the European Health Union.

Improving the competitiveness of health systems and industry remains a top priority. How can the EU continue to provide an attractive, innovation-friendly environment for research, development, and production of medicines in Europe, in line with the findings of the Draghi Report, while also meeting patients’ needs and environment protection?

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent epidemics, global discussions on health system resilience have taken centre stage, with concepts like One Health gaining significant momentum. Which elements from the Pandemic Agreement would be key to support planetary health and well-being, in an evolving global context?

The health of populations directly impacts economic performance. Health is both a pre-condition for and a consequence of economic prosperity. How could long-term economic development be encouraged in synergy with efficient and resilient health systems more people centred? What indicators do you believe are most effective in measuring well-being across the EU, and how can they guide policy-making?

Digital technology is increasingly changing the way we design and deliver preventive health and care services. COVID-19 pushed further the transformation, speeding up digitalisation in the health sector but also highlighting existing issues. The EU has devoted much energy in the past years to have a common path towards digitalisation, with the entry into force this year of the European Health Data Space, as a cornerstone of the European Health Union. What opportunities can the digitalisation of health services provide in Europe and how could these benefit citizens across the world? What would be potential trade-offs or challenges associated with digitalisation, and how can they be managed?

Moderator:

  • Martin McKee, Professor of European Public Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom

Keynote speaker: 

  • Sandra Gallina, Director General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission

Speakers/Panellists:

  • Francesca Colombo, Head of the Health Division, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
  • Fidelia Cascini, Digital health expert, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy
  • Rui Santos Ivo, Chair of the Management Board of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)