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For ten years, Prof. Andrew Kambugu from Makerere University (Uganda) and Prof. Jan Fehr from the University of Zurich (Switzerland) have organized the "Dialogue Days" on planetary health topics. This year, for the first time, the event evolved into the "Trialogue Days," including the Indian Institute of Science (India) with the support of Prof. Utpal Tatu.
In a world grappling with mounting environmental and health challenges, this conference brought together experts from diverse fields to explore solutions for planetary health. Over several days, it served as a platform for thought-provoking discussions on the intersections of climate change, health (spanning humans, animals, and the environment), and sustainability. At its core was a shared commitment to innovative, interdisciplinary solutions for our time's most pressing issues.
The conference began with powerful speeches emphasizing the urgent need for collaboration across disciplines to tackle the planetary health crisis. Leaders and experts agreed that no single sector or country can address these complex challenges alone. Solutions require collective efforts from individuals, institutions, and governments—transcending borders, cultures, and professional fields.
Vice President Research Elisabeth Stark (UZH) encapsulated this ethos, encouraging participants to view themselves not merely as representatives of their institutions but as "stewards of a shared planet and ambassadors of respect and equality."
The Trialogue Days were organized under the slogan "Planetary Health from Different Perspectives - Mind the Gap." This theme resonated throughout, with sessions featuring researchers of diverse expertise, genders, geographies, and age groups.
The program comprised various dynamic components that served as "building blocks" for its success. It included focused sessions on specific topics, offering in-depth discussions and expert insights. A prelude provided a unique exploration of an Indian village through the lens of planetary health, setting the stage for a broader understanding of interconnected challenges in a specific environment and cultural background. The program also highlighted the contributions of young minds at the forefront of the field, showcasing their innovative ideas. Educational games were incorporated to emphasize themes of planetary health, making complex topics accessible and engaging. Additionally, a special segment, referred to as the "flashlight," examined the intersections of economics, behavioral psychology, and media's role in advancing planetary health.
An interdisciplinary spirit permeated the event, exemplified by initiatives like a student-developed website inspiring reflection on habits and decisions, an illustrated book on planetary health addressing public questions, and an engaging science rap by Jon Chase. Performed to start off the opening session, the rap set the stage for the essence of the conference:
There's a problem, or maybe a couple.
Haven't you heard? The wildlife is in trouble.
Orangutans, rhinos, some bears, and trees,
And a world of key species, not just these.
We depend on the forests, the lungs of the earth,
We cut them all down, and it's the wildlife that it hurts.
Yeah, we need stuff, but a healthy planet comes first,
So let's be the doctor, the cure, and the nurse.
(Sustainable Palm Oil Rap, first verse)
The Trialogue Days, spanning three days and covering diverse topics, defy concise summarization. However, here are the ten thematic blocks that structured the sessions:
Recurring themes emerged prominently throughout the discussions. One such theme was equity, which highlighted the importance of addressing disparities between the Global North and South. It emphasized fostering fairness across countries, genders, organisms, and the environment. Equally significant was the One Health Approach, which underscored the necessity of integrating human, animal, and environmental health within ecosystems. This integration is viewed as a pivotal strategy to mitigate future crises.
The final sessions underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and global partnerships. Participants shared insights on linking disciplines such as public health, engineering, and social sciences. They emphasized scaling models like the One Health approach in countries like India and Switzerland.
Education emerged as a critical area for action. Experts advocated for incorporating planetary health and system interconnectivity into curricula to prepare future generations to address these challenges.
The conference concluded with a call to action. Participants were urged to commit to advancing planetary health through research, policy advocacy, and fostering collaborations. The gathering was a testament to the power of trust, innovation, and collective action in addressing complex global issues.
The event’s success lay in its ability to transcend communication barriers and forge lasting connections. It created a space for trust, idea exchange, and partnerships, fueling hope for planetary health’s prioritization on the global stage. As one attendee aptly noted, "If your house is burning, it doesn’t matter who brings the water to put it out."
The conference ignited a spark that will continue to drive global cooperation and solutions for planetary health in the years ahead.
The grand finale featured Jon Chase’s Planetary Health Rap, set against a rhythmic backdrop of African and Indian instruments, symbolizing cultural unity. Prefacing his performance with "I can save the planet by talking," Jon invited the audience to chant, "One World, One Health, One Planetary Health!" with him during the performance. The rap encapsulated the event’s spirit, inspiring attendees to harness their voices and ideas to advocate for a healthier planet.
Laura Tüshaus-Rudin