The World Health Summit (WHS) 2025 gathered more participants than ever before, with an estimated 4,000 delegates meeting in Berlin and online under the theme “Taking Responsibility for Health in a Fragmenting World.” Over three days, global leaders, policymakers, and health experts explored how to strengthen the future of global health cooperation amid reduced aid, funding challenges, and growing geopolitical fragmentation.
This year marked the second time the World Veterinary Association (WVA) took part in the Summit. Dr Petra Sindern, WVA Councillor for Europe, represented the Association, underscoring the vital need for closer collaboration between physicians and veterinarians under the One Health approach. She highlighted that shared responsibility and interdisciplinary cooperation are essential to address health threats at the human–animal–environment interface.
Throughout the Summit, leaders from governments, multilateral institutions, and the Global South called for renewed solidarity and equity in shaping the global health architecture. Despite the absence of U.S. officials due to the Washington shutdown, the discussions reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and collective responsibility in safeguarding health worldwide.
More information is available at www.worldhealthsummit.org
