PETALING JAYA: The sixth Planetary Health Annual Meeting (PHAM), held in Asia for the first time at Sunway University today, serves as a compelling yet imperative event, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said it is right for the meeting to be held in Asia as threats to planetary and human health are no longer distant or abstract.
He said no single nation, ministry or organisation can single-handedly address pressing issues of food insecurity, escalating infectious diseases, environmental pollution or any other substantial planetary health challenge.
"Within this decision, I would argue, there lies a profound opportunity for collaboration, innovation and decisive action.
"In this room, we have thought leaders, policymakers, industry experts, indigenous voices, young minds and many others representing the strength we need.
"The government can lay out the policy framework, but the academia, the private sector, communications and behavioural change experts, and other stakeholders need to play their part not only in Malaysia but across the planet as well," he said in his keynote address during the opening ceremony.
Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry is also firmly committed to the principles of planetary health by first "decarbonising" the nation's healthcare facilities.
He said the Health White Paper, approved by Parliament in June last year, laid down a visionary framework for a resilient, equitable and person-centred healthcare system.
"The ministry's facilities managed to conserve 897 gigawatt-hours of electricity, which amounts to 702,000 tonnes of carbon emission reduction and cost savings of RM377 million.
"Recycling has generated RM5.6 million in revenue, and we aim for all hospitals in Malaysia to be green-certified by 2025."
He also called on all parties to bridge the gap between evidence and action, as well as translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions in the face of growing health challenges.
He said strong, transparent and accountable institutions, regardless of administrative level, are needed to ensure the planetary healthy future we aim for.
"Science, while crucial, must be presented in ways that people understand, that policymakers can engage with, and that our leaders can use to make informed decisions. Information must mobilise us all rather than confuse or paralyse us.
"We need to cultivate a new generation of critical thinkers, problem-solvers and innovators that understand that responsible economics and planetary stewardship starts with respecting and valuing the planet's natural resources, and understanding the limits to its bounty.
"The private sector is also starting to wake up to the centrality of its role in creating and embracing a new paradigm, which places environmental responsibility alongside economic growth, with an understanding that a compromise will threaten human health and survival."