Abu Dhabi Hosts Historic IUHPE 2025, Sets New Global Health Goals

Post by : Layla Badr

Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office 

The 25th IUHPE World Conference on Health Promotion recently finished in Abu Dhabi. This was a big moment because Abu Dhabi became the first city in the Middle East to host this important global health event. For four days, more than 2,000 health experts and leaders from over 100 countries came together to talk about ways to improve the health of people and the planet.

The event was organized by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC) and the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE), with support from the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. During the conference, many important things were achieved: 15 policy recommendations, 10 long-term partnerships, and 385 sessions where experts shared ideas. The main theme was “Settings for Planetary Health and Well-being,” which means focusing on the places where people live, work, learn, and play, and how those places affect our health and the health of the Earth.

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One major goal of the conference was to change how we think about health. Instead of just treating sickness, the focus should be on creating and supporting good health for everyone. This means looking at fairness, helping communities deal with climate change, and making big changes to how health systems work.

Some of the most important ideas from the conference included:

1. Digital Health – People First, Not Technology First:
While technology is changing healthcare, the experts said it should help people, not replace doctors and nurses. The goal is to make sure digital tools help everyone, especially those who might not have easy access to healthcare. Technology should make care easier and more affordable without removing the personal care people need.

2. Designing Cooler, Smarter Cities:
As the world gets hotter, the conference talked about ways to build cities that stay cooler and healthier. This includes using nature and technology together—like planting more trees, using special materials for streets and buildings, and adding solar panels. These ideas help cities stay safe and comfortable even in extreme heat.

3. Mental Health is a Right:
The conference said mental health is very important and should be seen as a basic right for everyone. Countries were encouraged to include mental health in schools, city planning, and healthcare. It is important to work with young people and vulnerable groups to create solutions that fit different cultures. Using technology and sharing resources between countries can also help improve mental health worldwide.

4. Emergency Preparedness:
Because of pandemics, climate disasters, and conflicts, the conference stressed the need to be ready for emergencies. This includes increasing hospital capacity, using mobile health units, and creating community programs. Mental health support should be part of all emergency plans, and real-time data is needed to respond quickly and fully.

5. Moving from Healthcare to Health Creation:
Instead of only treating sickness after it happens, the conference called for a new approach. This means focusing on preventing illness by understanding social, environmental, and economic factors that affect health. The goal is to invest in policies and environments that help people stay healthy in the first place.

Dr. Rashed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADPHC, said that real progress in public health happens only when everyone works together across different sectors and countries. He added that the conference showed a strong commitment to making health promotion a shared responsibility in all communities.

Dr. Omniyat Al Hajeri, Executive Director of Community Health at ADPHC, also said that health should be a basic right built into the places we live and the systems we create. She explained that we are no longer just reacting to health problems—we are redesigning health itself.

The UAE showed its dedication to working with global health leaders by signing eight important agreements with companies and organizations like Boehringer Ingelheim, Organon, Emirates Cancer Society, and others. These partnerships focus on preventing diseases, improving women’s health, early screenings, and promoting wellness in communities. These efforts will help create a lasting positive impact in the region.

IUHPE President Sione Tu’itahi said that Abu Dhabi has set a new example of how countries can work together to promote health. The ideas and teamwork seen at the conference will continue to influence health promotion worldwide.

The conference made it clear that promoting health is not just about hospitals. It needs to happen everywhere—where people live, learn, work, and play.

As the event ended, Abu Dhabi was recognized not only as a host city but as a global leader in health innovation, fairness, and strength. It has set a new high standard for how the world can come together to build healthier and more sustainable societies for the future.

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