I recently had the privilege of participating in the “Facing Forward: Innovations and Challenges in Global Health” conference held at the Australian National University, supported by Australia Awards. This conference was held at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. This event, themed "Facing Forward: Innovations and Challenges in Global Health," was an incredible opportunity to engage with global health experts, scholars, and peers.

The event kicked off with a warm welcome to Ngambri-Ngunnawal Country by Paul Girrawah House to engaging sessions on global health security and pandemic preparedness, the entire experience was both intellectually stimulating and deeply meaningful :)

After the official opening, we were taken through a guided tour of Parliament House, which provided insights into Australia’s governance and its influence on global health policy. The first day culminated with a welcome dinner at the Boat House, offering a great platform for networking and informal discussions.

On day two, we delved into critical discussions around the future of health systems. Keynote speaker, Professor Michael Kidd, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, addressed the challenges faced by future health systems. We also explored the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health an essential perspective for addressing global health challenges.

One of the most thought-provoking sessions was on building equitable health systems. It was inspiring to hear from experts like Dr. Louis Peachey and Dr. Esperanza Martinez, who shared their experiences on improving healthcare access for Indigenous populations in Australia and the Pacific. Later, Dr. Amy Parry facilitated discussions on preparing for future pandemics, emphasizing the importance of a well-equipped public health workforce.

Overall, the event was a dynamic blend of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and strategic discussions. I left with not only new insights and ideas but also strengthened connections with individuals who are equally passionate about making a real-world impact in global health.

Can’t wait for another conference to come  :)