“It was a delight to be on the student task force for the first World Health Summit Regional Meeting held in Australia. We gained insight into large event management, met people whose work we have learnt from, listened to real-time deliberation and worked alongside lovely, highly intellectual health professionals. 

The contemporary discourse in each session set a strong foundation on which future policies, frameworks, interventions and campaigns could be built by professionals and students. The wide range of topics included ‘New and Old Knowledges: First Peoples’ Health and Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Geopolitics and Health: Achieving Equity in a Divided World’ and ‘Misinformationitis: the Impact of Tech on Health’, which are nuanced and important discussions in the current health landscape. The evidence and practicalities of possible approaches to health systems in the Asia-Pacific region were discussed with heart, and I was encouraged by the commitment to meaningful action for the whole population. I have incorporated the insightful perspectives and important considerations from the summit into my studies since.

The glowing highlights of mine were the many opportunities for connection, both professional and friendly, often made over great food. Thank you to the World Health Summit Regional Meeting team for meaningfully involving students in this global health forum. We will use the knowledge and understanding we built in our remaining studies and throughout our professional careers.”