In an increasingly polarised world, consensus on global issues is elusive and healthcare inequities are widening. This session highlighted the need for new approaches that go beyond the current global multilateral system to address complex health issues effectively and that models supporting local empowerment and aligning with the actual needs of populations are essential. Impartial and neutral healthcare delivery during both crisis and peace is key to achieving these goals.

Sharon Pickering chaired a rich session with a phenomenal panel of presenters, guiding the conversation from our current climate to hope and practical solutions. The conversational approach adopted by the panel humanised the discussion by reflecting on past mistakes and knowledge gaps. The juxtaposition of local contexts, such as Myanmar, with global issues was a key strength of the session.

In conclusion, strengthening regional mechanisms and plurilateral alliances with robust involvement from civil society and academia is essential for this transformative agenda. This cooperative approach aims to mitigate geopolitical complexities and promote a more equitable distribution of health resources, harnessing local capacities and diverse stakeholders committed to impartial and neutral healthcare delivery.