Plenary sessions Helsinki 2025

Welcome to Helsinki, capital of the happiest country in the world. Known for its efficiency and safety, Helsinki is ranked the 11th best city for congresses worldwide. Additionally, Finland has been named the world’s happiest country for the seventh consecutive year in the World Happiness Report. This ranking is attributed to strong social support networks, social trust, honest governance, safe environments, and healthy lives. These topics will also be featured in the conference programme.

Main theme: Investing for sustainable health and well-being

The 18th EPH Conference highlights that improving population health and well-being is an investment, not an expense. This investment benefits society and fosters a sustainable economy. Health and well-being are intricately linked with sustainable development: investing in health supports social, economic, and environmental sustainability, while a healthy planet with inclusive growth and fair societies enhances individual and community well-being. Addressing the determinants of health and reducing inequities are crucial for achieving population health and are essential for sustainable development.

Subthemes

Economy of well-being and public health

The economy of well-being emphasizes the interconnectedness of the economy, social security, healthcare, planetary boundaries, and overall welfare, focusing on long-term sustainability. It prioritizes people’s well-being in policy-making. Current economic systems, which contribute to environmental crises, social inequalities, and rising non-communicable diseases, are failing to generate true well-being. Addressing these issues requires shifting from a growth-centric model to one that measures and promotes well-being through integrated and consistent policies.

Cultural diversity and inclusivity in sustainable health policy and practice

Cultural diversity and inclusivity are crucial for sustainable health policy and practice. Recognizing diverse cultural perspectives in healthcare improves outcomes, fosters innovation, and strengthens resilience. Inclusive practices enhance patient satisfaction, trust, and equity by respecting cultural beliefs and involving marginalized communities in decision-making.

Public health in the era of misinformation and disinformation

Misinformation and disinformation pose increasing challenges to public health, spreading rapidly and often amplified by malicious bots and social media algorithms. These falsehoods can erode trust in healthcare systems, fuel vaccine hesitancy, and promote risky behaviours. Vulnerable populations are particularly at risk, which can deepen health disparities and create barriers to effective care. For public health professionals, it is crucial to explore strategies to combat these threats, ensuring accurate information prevails.

Transforming economies for planetary health and well-being

Human health and the environment are intertwined. Promoting co-beneficial solutions requires a multifaceted approach, including eco-friendly and health-promoting practices, innovative sustainable technologies, policy advocacy, and community engagement.

Tackling political and commercial determinants of health through policy and governance

This theme emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments, organizations, and communities to create a sustainable health environment. It calls for transparency, accountability, and the involvement of diverse stakeholders in policy-making to foster resilient and inclusive health systems. Addressing the impact of political decisions and commercial interests on public health is crucial. Effective policies and governance can mitigate negative health outcomes. Prioritizing public well-being over profit through regulations, and ensuring political frameworks support health equity and access to healthcare for all, are essential.

Investing in health workforce to build sustainable health systems

The health workforce plays a critical role in achieving sustainable and resilient health systems. Adequate funding and resources are essential not only for training healthcare professionals but also for retaining them, ensuring continuous professional development, and maintaining high standards of care. A well-supported workforce, with a focus on their well-being, is key to system efficiency and positive health outcomes.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, combines urban culture, serene nature, a stunning archipelago, and vibrant urban areas. The city’s compact size makes navigation easy, allowing extensive exploration during your stay. Despite potentially gloomy November weather, we encourage you to experience Finnish hospitality and our efficient way of making things happen.

This session is the official opening session of the conference and provides an introduction to the main theme.

Moderators

• Ilmo Keskimäki, Chair of the 18th EPH Conference 2025
• Anu Partanen, journalist, author of The Nordic Theory of Everything: In Search of a Better Life

Speakers/Panellists

• Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
• Veli-Mikko Niemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland
• Sandra Gallina, Director General for Health and Food Safety, 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 speakers

• 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)

Background

The plenary will serve as a wake-up call to Europe’s public health community, institutions, and decision-makers. We will address but go beyond the issue of mis- and disinformation to tackle the systemic erosion of trust, funding, and democratic support for public health.

Objectives

• To examine the systemic crises facing European public health – misinformation, disinvestment, and the erosion of democratic support – and their impact on trust and resilience.
• To mobilise and equip the public-health community to counter misinformation, strengthen communication capacities, and defend evidence-informed policymaking.

Format

The session will confront political and structural challenges while inspiring long-term action to protect Europe’s public-health systems and democratic values. Through live Slido engagement, participants will be invited to reflect on their own communication habits, biases, and ways of building or losing trust.

Key focus areas

• Controversy, uncertainty and disinformation. The plenary will deep dive in the distinctions between scientific controversies, misinformation, disinformation, and politically or commercially motivated distortion. It will address the responsibility of the public-health community to rethink communication strategies, moving beyond facts alone and embracing empathy, emotion, and peer-to-peer narratives to reach diverse audiences. Political polarisation: an overlooked determinant of health
• Human and societal cost of inaction. The session will highlight the human and societal consequences of disinvestment, and its effects on crisis preparedness, ageing populations, and public trust. Arms industry as a commercial determinant of health. It will explore why evidence-based policies often fail to gain traction, and how misinformation and conspiracy narratives, amplified by political and algorithmic forces, shape public perceptions.

The plenary will conclude with a call to EU institutions, Member States, and public-health professionals to fund, support, and trust the public-health movement.

It will showcase practical and inspiring examples. This closing message will serve as a call for united leadership and strong civil-society voices, emphasising the need to move from a defensive posture to proactive empowerment. It will highlight how public health advocates can be equipped with the tools to engage emotionally and culturally with diverse audiences, and rally the community around new narrative approaches such as peer-to-peer communication, youth-focused storytelling, and innovative media formats.

Moderators

• Charlotte Marchandise, Executive Director EUPHA
• Alexandra Frețian, Researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Health Literacy Unit, Germany
• Domitilla Marconi, EUPHAnxt Talent Manager

Speakers/Panellists

• Götz Gottschalk, Head of Health, YouTube DE (Google) & Strategy & Operations Lead, YouTube Health EMEA (Google)
• Seema Yasmin, Emmy Award-winning journalist, Clinical Assistant Professor, Medicine, Stanford University, United States (participation via online stream)
• Sanna Vesikansa, Crisis Services MIELI Mental Health, Finland
• Monika Kosinska, Cross-Cutting Lead Economic and Commercial Determinants of Health, World Health Organization

Background

In recent years, youth mental health has emerged as a critical challenge across Europe, with alarming trends indicating a significant decline in the mental and emotional well-being of young people. According to various studies, rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm have increased markedly among children and young people, prompting concern from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educators alike.

Factors contributing to this decline include academic pressures, the unprecedented disruptions caused by global events such as conflict, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pervasive influence of social media and digital technologies. While the digital world presents opportunities for learning and connection, it also exposes young people to a range of risks, including cyberbullying, social comparison, and unrealistic portrayals of life. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to heightened feelings of anxiety and depression, as young people grapple with the pressures to curate a perfect online persona. The hyper-connected nature of digital life can also contribute to social isolation, as in-person interactions diminish in favour of virtual communication.

Addressing this decline in mental health and well-being is not only a critical public health concern, but is rapidly emerging as a key cross-sectoral priority. There is increasing recognition that the broad drivers of youth mental and wellbeing cannot be addressed by the health sector alone; at the same time inaction will have far reaching societal and economic impacts. If left unaddressed and untreated, poor mental health amongst young people can have significant lifetime consequences in terms of increased mortality, lost educational and employment opportunities, reduced lifetime earnings, social exclusion, and poor physical and mental health outcomes. In the context of significant pressure on government budgets, recent dialogues have highlighted concerns of the impacts of young people’s poor mental health on unemployment and labour markets, economic growth and tax sustainability.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe in partnership with the Ministry of Health of France convened a high-level meeting in June 2025 to build commitment of member states to advance a Mental Health in All Policies approach. The meeting was convened under the WHO/European Commission’s flagship initiative Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the EU, Iceland and Norway, in response to a consistent request from member states for support from WHO Europe to build capacity in cross-sectoral policy making and partnerships. This groundbreaking meeting brought together over 200 participants from 34 countries and across multiple sectors and public health agencies to explore the ways in which shared responsibility for mental health policy-making and outcomes could reap rewards for individuals, health systems and economies across the European region. A key theme of the event was the urgent need for all sectors responsible for the determinants of youth mental health to take greater responsibility for developing policies and programmes which promote and protect young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

This session incorporating a keynote presentation and panel discussion aims to report back from the Paris high-level meeting to disseminate outcomes and identified actions needed to promote youth mental health in all policies, with a focus on addressing the digital determinants of youth mental health and well-being and cross-sectoral action and investments that have co-benefits for young people and for economic development across Europe.

Moderators

• Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director of Health Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe
• Sophie Eicher, EUPHAnxt and Freie Universität Berlin

Background

Over the past two decades, public health has rightly focused on social, environmental, healthcare, and behavioural determinants of health. However, these determinants are shaped by political decisions and the structures of the institutions where those decisions are made.

To understand what drives health outcomes, we must examine how wealth and power shape political agendas, how corporate political practices influence policy, and how both elected representatives and the political systems they operate in are often aligned with commercial priorities. Voting patterns, lobbying practices, corruption, and revolving doors between industry and government all contribute to shaping policy environments in ways that can support or undermine public health.

The role of technology and social media further complicates this landscape, as both are increasingly leveraged by powerful actors to shape public opinion and policy debates. At the same time, political systems often lack transparency in their dealings with private interests, limiting public accountability. These dynamics create feedback loops where political decisions protect commercial interests, and commercial practices reinforce political inertia or resistance.

In this session, we will explore these interconnected determinants of health and their effects on health equity. We will then discuss strategies to counter these forces and promote a healthier, more equitable society.

Moderator

• Caroline Costongs, Director EuroHealthNet

Keynote speakers

• Sandro Galea, Dean of the School of Public Health, Washington University, United States (participation via online stream)
• Anna Gilmore, Professor of Public Health, Director of the Tobacco Research Group, University of Bath, United Kingdom

Panellists:

• Mika Salminen, Director-General, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finland
• Dóra Gudrún Gudmundsdóttir, Director Public Health, Directorate of Health, Iceland
• Aki Lindén, Member of Parliament, Finland

Co-funded by the European Union

Background

The sustainability of health systems is critically dependent on a capable, motivated, and future-oriented health and care workforce. This plenary session explores the strategic imperative of investing in the development, retention, and wellbeing of health and care professionals as a foundational pillar of sustainable health care. Against the backdrop of increasing demand, demographic shifts, persistent workforce shortages, and rapid digital transformation, this session seeks to provide a multidimensional analysis of what it means to invest in the health workforce.

The session will focus on the role of digital skills as one of the key enablers of health system sustainability. Digitalisation fundamentally reshapes the nature of care delivery, requiring new competencies among all health professionals. From telemedicine to AI-driven diagnostics and data governance, the integration of digital tools demands targeted investments in initial training, lifelong learning, and digital literacy across disciplines. We will discuss how equipping the workforce with appropriate digital capabilities enhances efficiency, quality of care, and workforce satisfaction.

The session will also examine how social dialogue, and the involvement of social partners, can provide a framework for political consensus and shared ownership of the skills agenda. Involving trade unions, employers, professional bodies, and policy actors helps ensure that upskilling and reskilling strategies are inclusive, relevant, and context sensitive.

A third theme is how to support health professionals to acquire and apply new skills amid understaffing, time constraints, and emotional fatigue. This part of the session will draw attention to institutional and cultural barriers, as well as innovative solutions, including peer learning, task redistribution, and leadership support that enable the effective uptake of new competencies at all levels of the system.

Finally, we will address the crucial issue of retention and attraction, and therefore how to protect the investment made in the workforce. Beyond financial incentives, retention is tied to working conditions, recognition, career development opportunities, and alignment between skills and professional autonomy. As workforce mobility increases, strategies to retain skilled professionals must be a central component of sustainable health workforce planning.

Bringing together different perspectives, this session aims to foster an evidence-informed dialogue on how strategic investments in workforce development can serve as a lever for broader health system sustainability and equity.

Moderator

• Matthias Wismar, Programme Manager, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

Speakers/Panellists

• Henrique Barros, President ASPHER, and Professor of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
• Petronille Bogaert, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), European Commission
• Federica Margheri, Executive Director, European Health Management Association (EHMA)
• Marius-Ionuț Ungureanu, Chair of the Department of Public Health, School of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babeș-Bolyai University, Romania
• Gemma Williams, Research Fellow, European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies

Moderator

• Ilmo Keskimäki, Chair of the 18th EPH Conference 2025

Speakers

• Idil Hussein, Senior Planning Officer, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
• Alastair Leyland, Director NIHR Global Health Research Unit on Social and Environmental Determinants of Health Inequalities, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom

Award Ceremony: Best Poster, Best Abstract, Ference Bojan Award

• Iveta Nagyova, President European Public Health (EPH) Conference Foundation

Welcome to the 19th EPH Conference 2026, Bilbao, Spain

• Manuel Franco, Chair of the 19th EPH Conference 2026