Session 22

Public Health Diplomatron

Hacking political influence for health

Organised by the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region, the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health, Young Forum Gastein, and supported by University of Memphis School of Public Health

Europe needs a stronger Health Union. This requires public health professionals that are more visible, politically literate and able to influence debates beyond the health sector. Too often, public health professionals enter political debates with major health implications too late, too technically, or not at all; they bring evidence, but not always the narratives, alliances or negotiating skills needed to shape decisions.

This session turns Public Health Diplomacy (PHD) from a concept into practice. It will demonstrate how public health can help make health a strategic public good for strengthening the European Union (EU), its resilience and democratic trust. Building on the EHFG PHD initiative, and on the joint statement “An Agenda for Public Health Diplomacy in an Age of Populism”, Young Forum Gastein scholars will work in diplomacy labs on three politically charged topics central to Europe’s future.

Each team will pitch a practical strategy for shifting narratives, building coalitions, strengthening trust and placing health, evidence and equity into wider EU debates. They will draw on the strategies and actions proposed in the PHD agenda, to reframe health as a matter of security, prosperity and democratic resilience. A fishbowl audience jury will stress-test each proposal, followed by a live vote to choose the most inspiring and actionable approach.

Speakers to be announced