A healthy environment is vital for human health and for the health of our planet. Climate change, hydrometeorological disasters such as floods, cyclones and droughts, and environmental hazards such as air pollution, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and lack of access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, pose serious threats to health in the Western Pacific Region. These challenges can exacerbate existing health inequities and create conditions for new ones to emerge.
In response, the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health (ACE) – based in Seoul and hosted by the Republic of Korea – is supporting Member States in building climate-resilient health systems, promoting environmental health, and strengthening community resilience in the Western Pacific Region.
Recognizing the urgent challenges posed by the climate crisis, ACE has developed a strategic plan for the next five years that balances bold ambition with practical, achievable goals to drive meaningful impact to people and the planet.
This special event at the seventy-sixth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific aims to:
- Launch ACE’s five-year strategic plan, present its vision and key priorities and expected contributions to Member States.
- Raise awareness on how ACE can strengthen collaboration regionwide in addressing critical climate and environmental threats to health – and how health can serve as a compelling argument and driver for climate action.
Programme
Opening
- Remarks by Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, Regional Director, WHO Western Pacific Region
- Congratulatory remarks by a representative from the Republic of Korea
Strategy presentation
- Overview of the strategy by Dr Sandro Demaio, Director, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health (ACE)
Member State interventions
- Representatives from Australia, Mongolia, Viet Nam, and other Western Pacific countries and areas
Closing
- Dr Sandro Demaio, Director, ACE
All delegates to the Regional Committee Meeting are welcome to attend in person at the venue.