UAE Warns Global Leaders on Health, Environmental Risks

Lyon, France – Addressing international leaders at the One Health Summit in Lyon, France, the UAE highlighted the severe global consequences of ongoing regional attacks, emphasizing risks to health, the environment, and food systems. The summit, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, gathered heads of state, over 30 ministers, and representatives from leading international organisations.

Representing President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of Health and Prevention, condemned “illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked attacks” in the region, citing over 2,700 drones and missiles targeting human lives, critical infrastructure, and the environment. He stressed that the health of humans, animals, and the environment is interconnected, with risks in one system affecting the others.

Al Sayegh called these attacks “a war against the health of every country, family, and ecosystem,” underlining the urgent need for integrated, prevention-focused health security strategies. He advocated expanding the One Health approach beyond zoonotic diseases to include environmental risks, such as air pollution, which drive chronic diseases globally.

During the summit, Al Sayegh engaged with global leaders, including President Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, and Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia, fostering international cooperation on shared health priorities. He also held bilateral meetings with delegations from Indonesia, Italy, and South Korea to strengthen collaboration across health and related sectors.

The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to practical, science-based solutions through the One Health and Beyond Declaration and cooperation with the One Health Centre of Excellence Global Network, advocating for a unified approach to protect humans, animals, and the environment amid regional security challenges.