Digital technologies are now integral to daily life and our ecosystem. Interconnectedness and inter-sectorality in digital technologies and digital public infrastructure have become the key determinants of health outcomes. In the current context, the physical and digital worlds are closely intertwined.

Considering the dynamic and changing goalposts in the current socio-economic and socio-political environment, it is imperative to discuss, deliberate, and dialogue on how digital health, AI, and emerging technologies will influence the future of healthcare and health equity. 

The future of health is determined by how we tackle the existing health challenges while being mindful of unknown and non-traditional security threats. There is a need for global attention in emerging areas, such as the impact of space technologies and health, submarine sea cables, maritime health, and points of entry and border health, which are expanding the global health landscape.

Keeping the future of health as a perspective, disruptive innovations in policy, governance, research, and education can gain traction among international leaders. 

As the uncertainties in globalization and global health governance increase, the need for an active role and intervention in health diplomacy becomes vital to protect and promote global interests. Global health diplomacy represents an essential competency in an evolving international platform for people-centric negotiations on critical global policy issues such as foreign policy, intellectual property, development, national security, and trade agreements.

With COVID-19, climate change and conflict impacting health and security, it is becoming clear that matters or concerns once confined to national policy are now global impact and concern. In this context, what role different actors/sectors can play in influencing health outcomes through effective health diplomacy processes and strategies?  

With the increasing evidence of climate change and its associated health risks, it is an opportune time and an immediate need to balance the needs of human health and a healthy planet. Planetary Health emphasizes integrated, inclusive solutions and interventions that balance the needs of healthy communities and nature with stewardship of natural ecosystems and the environment. The planetary determinant of health is influenced by the global, regional, and national policy environments and the capacity of member states to tackle threats to climate change and the planet's ecosystems. As global leaders/organizations and responsible citizens, it calls for an inclusive, integrated, and implementable action.

In this context, the bigger question is whether global, regional, and national policy mandates to protect population health are aligned to achieve global targets and climate sustainability. Deliberations are thus required on what is needed now to achieve and ensure sustainable planetary health and whether we can achieve success through effective collaboration. 

With the rise of digital health solutions, AI, biotechnology, and novel delivery models, healthcare has entered a new era of possibilities. Leaders in both public and private sectors are at the forefront of fostering these innovations, ensuring that they are implemented effectively and reach those who need them most.

Prioritizing gender equity, involvement of women leaders, youth-driven health innovations, financing impactful initiatives, and focusing on prevention for transformative changes in navigating the complexities of implementing new health technologies, policies, and partnerships is the need of the hour. With this context, discussion, and deliberation on effective leadership strategies, enabling innovative ecosystems, and holistic and inclusive development is vital. 

Health and peace are deeply interconnected, as conflict and instability often lead to healthcare access, services, and infrastructure disruptions. In fragile and conflict-affected states, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they need while protecting healthcare workers and facilities can mitigate the impacts of violence is critical. War and instability disrupt healthcare services and damage health infrastructure and systems in the long term. Conversely, healthcare can bridge peace, fostering dialogue, cooperation, and stability in conflict-affected regions.

Global and regional cooperation is key to rebuilding healthcare systems in post-conflict zones and building resilient healthcare infrastructures. Thus, it is essential to delve into pertinent questions such as what role can healthcare systems play in promoting peace in conflict zones? How can we protect healthcare workers and infrastructure in areas affected by violence? How can health equity be ensured in fragile and post-conflict settings? 

Effective, credible, integrated, and coordinated communication of evidence is important for informed policy-making and development. A strategic approach is needed to tackle infodemics in healthcare. Global collaborative initiatives are required to develop system/context-specific communication frameworks, guiding principles, tactics, and resources.

To develop specific strategies at different levels, interventions should be people-centric, participatory, enabled by appropriate technology, and accessible to all population segments. As decision makers/actors in global health, what measures are needed to ensure effective and evidence-informed health communication in a complex environment?