UN Foundation: Sounding the alarm: The race to protect our planet, our health, our people

May 25, 2023

UN Foundation: Sounding the alarm: The race to protect our planet, our health, our people

All eyes have been on Geneva this week where global health leaders are meeting at the 76th World Health Assembly. High on the agenda? Pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, and sustainable financing for the World Health Organization.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at a strategic roundtable at the World Health Assembly.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus speaks at a strategic roundtable focused on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response during the World Health Assembly on May 22, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland. Photo: WHO / Pierre Albouy

This year’s convening – which coincides with WHO's 75th anniversary – also comes amid growing concerns of the impacts of climate change on global health. Nine in 10 nations now include issues related to global health in their climate plans as warming threatens access to food, water, shelter and clean air.

“Climate change will fuel all the possible health disasters that we’re expecting. We need to make sure that we have health systems fit for the 21st century,” said Dr. Maria Neria, WHO’s Director for Public Health and Environment.

WHO’s report comes just as the World Meteorological Organization forecasted that global temperatures will surge to record levels in the next five years.

“This [warming] will have far-reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management and the environment,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. “We need to be prepared.”

UNITE FOR IMPACT

Time is running out to register for the UNA-USA Leadership Summit, held from June 4-6 in DC and online. Join changemakers, U.S. elected officials, UN representatives, and students to discuss supporting a strong U.S.-UN partnership.

FROM OUR EXPERTS...

What is the Pandemic Accord?

The Pandemic Accord, often known as the pandemic treaty, has gotten a lot of attention recently. But what is it really, why do we need it, and who decides what’s in it? Our global health experts unpack it all. Learn more >>

How can we truly achieve justice for all?

The world needs to make urgent progress on the Global Goals to meet the 2030 deadline. In a new paper, UN Foundation Fellows and other experts explore ways to create a fairer, more just world for all. Read their insights >>

It’s time to protect nature – just as it protects us
Biodiversity loss is threatening the very foundation of our future and our collective health and well-being. Ahead of International Day for Biodiversity, one thing is clear: Time is running out to avert a “biodiversity apocalypse”. Take a deeper dive >>

An overlooked crisis for women and girls

When food is scarce, women — and especially mothers — eat last and least. We spoke with experts from UN agencies who are working to ensure every mother can feed her child – without going hungry herself. Explore the article >>

JOIN "THE NEXT 8 BILLION"
Join UN Foundation at the 23rd International Futures Conference, where we’ll be hosting a special virtual session. Explore how living generations can meet their responsibilities to future generations, and how the world can build an international system that is able to think, plan, and act for the future.