- Honourable Ministers
- Excellencies
- Distinguished Delegates
- Partners, Colleagues and Friends
A good morning to all of you.
On behalf of the WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 5th Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Pacific Regional Forum on Health and Environment.
We are gathering here today at a pivotal moment in human history. As we know, we are facing multiple unprecedented challenges which threaten our lives and livelihoods in unpredictable ways. The global pandemic, climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss have highlighted the urgency of a holistic approach to addressing the issues of our planet. This is an existential need, because we know that we, as humans cannot be healthy if our environment is not. The link between our health and the health of the planet is instinctive, innate and inherent.
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
This regional forum has fostered cooperation, enabled the sharing of best practices, and the developing of innovative solutions to the complex health and environmental challenges we face. We have improved in areas such as air quality monitoring, waste reduction, and the integration of health in environmental policies. However, much remains to be done.
This Asia-Pacific region of ours is home to the world’s most dynamic economies, and diverse natural ecosystems. However, we’re also a region that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of environmental degradation, and to public health crises.
Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth have placed immense pressure on our natural resources and ecosystems. This has led to health issues that unfortunately affect the vulnerable among us the most.
The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly apparent. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifting disease patterns – these all pose significant threats to both human health and environmental sustainability. We must address these challenges with the utmost urgency, and a collaborative spirit. The scale of the problems we confront compel us to all work together to solve them.
This ministerial meeting is an opportunity to build on the achievements of the past. It is a platform from where we can chart a path forward that is both ambitious and inclusive.
Therefore, we must strengthen our regional partnerships. We must enhance our collective resilience. We must ensure our policies are grounded and guided – grounded in science and guided by equity and sustainability.
I urge us all to consider the following priorities.
First, Integrated Policy and Partnerships: We must continue to integrate health and environmental policies, recognizing that the two are deeply interconnected. This includes promoting sustainable development practices, reducing pollution, and enhancing public health systems.
Second, Climate Action: We have to scale up our efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This includes investing in renewable energy, enhancing disaster preparedness, and promoting climate-resilient health systems.
Third, Capacity Building: Strengthening the capacities of our institutions and communities is essential. We must invest in education, training, and technology transfer to empower our people to address the challenges they face.
And fourth, Inclusive Participation: Ensuring that all voices are heard - especially those of women, youth, and marginalized communities. This is critical for equitable and sustainable outcomes.
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen,
The challenges we face are complex and daunting, but not insurmountable. If we work together, share our knowledge, and use our collective strength, we can create a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable future.
The opportunity is ours to seize, and the commitment ours to reaffirm. Today, let us do both – for the health and well-being of our people, and our planet.
I look forward to the discussions and outcomes of this meeting, including the Jakarta Declaration. I am confident that together, we will make meaningful progress.
As a part of the joint-Secretariat of this Forum, the World Health Organization remains fully committed to providing technical guidance and support to nations. To that, I would like to add my assurance and commitment, and that of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office.
Thank you, and I wish you all a successful and productive meeting.