The Health Leaders Forum that launched the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week brought together 250 global leaders in healthcare, private and public sectors, philanthropy, and civil society to address pressing global health concerns and transform the healthcare ecosystem. Under the theme ‘From Healthcare to Health’, the Forum focused on promoting holistic health and wellness through discussions on public-private partnerships, ethics and standards in healthcare, global health equity, sustainability, technology, AI, and innovation.
Featuring over 60 distinguished speakers, including officials from the UAE, World Health Organization, and other international organizations, the Forum highlighted the importance of philanthropies in leading health-focused private-public partnerships. Discussions emphasized the need for robust investment in population health, innovative funding models, and strategic cross-sector partnerships to address socioeconomic disparities and ensure equitable health outcomes worldwide.
The Forum showcased the potential of multi-stakeholder collaborations and public-private partnerships in accelerating progress in healthcare. It emphasized the importance of combining public sector vision and resources with private sector expertise and innovation to strengthen healthcare systems locally, regionally, and globally. Initiatives like the Reaching the Last Mile Fund and the Global Institute for Disease Elimination were highlighted as successful examples of multi-stakeholder partnerships making a positive global impact.
The session moderated by Hadley Gamble addressed the growing potential of strategic philanthropic investments in supporting multi-stakeholder partnerships. It highlighted the role of philanthropy in filling funding gaps and promoting greater equity in healthcare access and outcomes. Philanthropic capital was emphasized as complementing government funding and reducing the risk for private sector investment in innovative healthcare projects, particularly for underserved communities.
The Forum concluded with a focus on the importance of new partnerships and initiatives in tackling global health challenges. Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, welcomed attendees and emphasized the forum’s role in facilitating idea exchange and actionable solutions for a healthier, more equitable world. The event served as a platform for connecting global leaders, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change in the global health landscape.
