The Swiss Pavilion Addresses Public Health Challenges during the Health and Wellness Week at Expo 2020 Dubai

Led by the Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), the Health and Wellness Week in the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 stresses continuing innovation and sustainability as key pillars to achieve UN SDGs

Dubai, February 07, 2022:  The Health and Wellness Week in the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, concluded with expert’s recommendations on the importance of innovative and sustainable initiatives to address rising public health concerns on light of the rapid global urbanization.

Speakers during the event included Pof. Nino Kunzli, Director of SSPH+, Dr. Carlos Duarte from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Experts discussed different topics, such as evolutionary perspectives, diet and healthy ageing, health care professional shortage as well as water and sanitation.
Mr. Manuel Salchli, Commissioner General of the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “It has to be emphasized that the world needs future generations and scientists, as well as engaged citizens who actively contribute to create sustainable solutions to the issues of today and tomorrow,”

From his side, Mr. Dante Larini, Project Manager of Swissnex at the Swiss Pavilion, said: “By 2050, more than two-thirds, or 68 per cent of the world population will be living in urban areas, according to the UN, and this calls for key initiatives by all stakeholders, including governments, to ensure that public health through conception and implementation of strategic policies from the grassroots level.”

During the Health and Wellness Week, Swiss and UAE participants said it is imperative that governments roll out sustainable development policies in alignment with the UN SDGs to help people lead healthy and sustainable lives in the interest of the planet and life on earth. 
The multidisciplinary discussions at the Health and Wellness Week stressed that the challenges and opportunities for improving public health and wellness in urban areas be tackled by conceptualization of smart cities and digital citizenship. 

In this context 'The Frontiers of Young Minds,’ a scientific journal where school children act as reviewers of articles written by distinguished scientists, showcased at the pavilion highlighted how good science can lead to living healthy lives on a healthy planet.

SSPH+, which took the lead during the week, is a leading foundation of Swiss universities that assembles the inter-university faculty of public health sciences affiliated with 12 Swiss universities. SSPH + is also the national coordinating body for the promotion of post-graduate university education and research in public health.