Abu Dhabi, UAE – May 13, 2024 – The Health Leaders Forum that launched the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week (ADGHW) on May 13, 2024, convened 250 global leaders in healthcare and life sciences, private and public sector, as well as philanthropy and civil society to address the urgent need for decisive, cross-sector collaboration to tackle multifaceted pressing concerns and transform the global health ecosystem.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the invitation-only Forum, themed ‘From Healthcare to Health’, marks a departure from the traditional reactive model of treating illnesses to a proactive focus on promoting holistic health and wellness. Split across four thematic acts, discussions delved into critical topics including public-private partnerships, ethics and standards in healthcare and life sciences, global health equity and sustainability, and technology, AI, and innovation.
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The high-level event featured over 60 distinguished speakers, including H.E. Abdulla Al Marri, UAE Minister of the Economy, H.E. Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development Abu Dhabi, H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of Abu Dhabi Investment Office, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Egypt Minister of Health and Population, H.E. Adonis Georgiadis, Greece Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Nigeria Minister of Health, HRH Princess Dr. Haya Bint Khaled Bin Bandar Al Saud, Vice President of Research of Hevolution Foundation in Saudi Arabia, Mr. Michel Demaré, Chairman of AstraZeneca in Belgium.
Foundational Change
The opening plenary session titled ‘Foundational Change: Will philanthropies lead tomorrow’s health-focused private-public-partnerships?’, highlighted the importance of robust investment in overall population health, the transformative power of sustainable investment, and the need for a fundamental shift in healthcare investment structures that includes redefining the role of public-private partnerships to ensure equitable health outcomes worldwide.
Moreover, Global thought leaders partook in the panel, including H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Head of International Affairs at the Presidential Court and CEO of 2PointZero, UAE H.E. Monica Geingos, Former First Lady of Namibia and UNAIDS Special Advocate on Young Women and Adolescent Girls, Tony Elumelu, Chairman of UBA Group and Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation in Nigeria, and Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and Special Envoy for Business & Philanthropy.
Also Read: ADGHW Set to Explore the Paradigm Shift from Healthcare to Health
The plenary session, moderated by Hadley Gamble, Chief International Anchor Al-Arabiya and host of The Hadley Gamble Show, further addressed the growing potential of strategic philanthropic investments potential to be the linchpin for effective multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Addressing the significant funding gap and need for ample resources, Badr Jafar said: “Philanthropy has played a crucial role globally in supporting healthcare advancements, particularly in low-income and developing nations, increasingly filling funding gaps. In recent years, the top 100 private foundations and grant makers contributed approximately USD $46 billion annually to health-related causes. This represents nearly a quarter of all charitable donations worldwide.”
The session concluded by outlining how philanthropic capital compliments government funding by filling gaps in disease prevention, research, and education, as well as reducing the risk for private sector investment, particularly for innovative early-stage projects. Ultimately, philanthropic entities can ensure focus on underserved communities, promoting greater equity in healthcare access and outcomes.
H.E. Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, gave the welcoming address to the esteemed attendees ahead of the subsequent sessions.
Furthermore, The Health Leaders Forum brings together global leaders to focus on how to tackle the changes and challenges of global health. Its program facilitated idea exchange and actionable solutions for a healthier, more equitable world through insightful discussions, focused spotlights, and strategic networking. The forum also served as a platform for new partnerships and initiatives.
