The link between Health and Diplomacy has never been more relevant. In an increasingly global world, challenges require collaborative responses, based on effective diplomatic dialogues and joint strategies. It was in this context that the NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH) and Forum Saúde XXI organised the Diplomacy and Global Health Conference.
The event was attended by ambassadors António Martins da Cruz and Luís de Almeida Sampaio, Francisco Pavão, Director of the International Relations Coordination Directorate of the Ministry of Health’s General Secretariat, Adalberto Campos Fernandes, professor at NOVA NSPH, and Andreia Lima, president of Fórum Saúde XXI. Sónia Dias, dean of NOVA NSPH, opened the conference.
During the high-level conference, which took place on 22 January, the relevance of Portuguese diplomacy in promoting global health and the opportunities for international cooperation were discussed. The event, which brought together health students, diplomats and professionals from various fields, offered a broad view of the interaction between foreign policy and global health challenges.
In her opening speech, the dean of NOVA NSPH emphasised the importance of Portugal taking a more active role in building an efficient global health system. For Sónia Dias, Portugal’s role in health diplomacy goes beyond mere representation, and must increasingly integrate a strategy that unites health, economics and foreign policy. She emphasised that NOVA NSPH plays a fundamental role in this process, training professionals who will be leaders in solutions to global health problems.
This idea was corroborated by the other participants, who emphasised the unique role that Portugal can play on the international stage, with an importance that is not limited to Europe. During the conference, and in view of the changing political context in the United States of America, the role that the European Union can play in relations with that country, as well as in global health diplomacy, was also defended. It was also stressed that deepening the European project is crucial, as is maintaining the transatlantic relationship, especially in the field of health and defence.
The event was an opportunity for all those present to reflect on the importance of an integrated and global approach to the health problems we face. The relevance of the debate was further emphasised by the historical moment, with the world facing global health challenges, such as climate change and epidemics, which require a coordinated and international response.
