One Health Summit: France to Tackle Global Health & Environmental Links
The interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health took center stage as President Emmanuel Macron convened a global summit in Lyon, France, aiming to forge stronger international cooperation on pressing health challenges. This initiative, dubbed the One Health Summit, underscores a growing recognition that lasting improvements in human health are inextricably linked to the well-being of our planet and the animals we share it with.
A New Framework for Global Health Security
The summit, which builds upon the “One Planet Summits” initiated in 2017, represents a first-of-its-kind gathering focused specifically on the “One Health” approach. This holistic perspective, gaining traction within public health circles, acknowledges the complex interplay between human, animal, and environmental factors in the emergence and spread of disease. Rather than treating these areas in isolation, the One Health framework advocates for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to health threats.
President Macron’s initiative arrives at a critical juncture. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of zoonotic diseases – those that jump from animals to humans – and the need for proactive, collaborative strategies to prevent future outbreaks. Beyond infectious diseases, the summit will also address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, where environmental factors play a significant role. The Élysée Palace emphasized that the core of the summit will be the continuum between human, animal, and environmental health.
Three Pillars of the One Health Agenda
The Lyon summit is structured around three key objectives. First, enhancing international cooperation through improved data sharing and collaborative research efforts. This includes establishing robust surveillance systems to detect emerging threats early and facilitating the rapid exchange of information between countries. Second, strengthening efforts to combat zoonotic diseases, learning from the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent future spillovers. And third, addressing the environmental determinants of health, recognizing the impact of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss on human well-being.
The summit will bring together political leaders, representatives from international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (OMSA), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (PNUE), as well as stakeholders from the private sector and civil society. This diverse representation reflects the understanding that addressing these complex challenges requires a collective effort.
France’s Role and Internal Challenges
France has a long history of contributions to global health, from the development of the first vaccines by Louis Pasteur to the discovery of the HIV virus by French scientists. The country’s commitment to environmental sustainability, exemplified by its role in the Paris Agreement on climate change, further underscores its leadership in the One Health movement. However, the French delegation to the UN in Rome acknowledged that the summit’s success isn’t insulated from domestic political complexities.
The development of a national strategy encompassing climate, environment, and food – known as “Snanc” – faced significant delays and internal disagreements between various ministries, particularly those of Health and Environment versus Agriculture. The Élysée Palace assured that these internal challenges would not undermine the summit’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of a unified approach to address interconnected health and environmental issues. The successful implementation of the One Health approach requires a cohesive national strategy, and the resolution of these internal conflicts will be crucial for France to effectively champion this agenda on the global stage.
Lyon as a Hub for One Health Innovation
The choice of Lyon as the host city is particularly fitting. Beyond hosting the main summit from April 5th to 7th, coinciding with World Health Day, the city will also host a “Village des découvertes” (Discovery Village) in the Parc de la Tête d’Or on April 5th and 6th. This public-facing event will offer interactive exhibits and activities designed to educate the public about the One Health approach and its relevance to their daily lives. The City of Lyon is actively involved, with a dedicated stand offering games, challenges, and guided tours to explore One Health concepts.
The summit’s timing, coinciding with World Health Day, underscores the urgency of addressing these interconnected health challenges. The presence of numerous heads of state, government officials, researchers, and decision-makers signals a global commitment to prioritizing the One Health approach.
What’s Next: From Commitments to Concrete Action
The One Health Summit is not merely a symbolic gathering; it aims to translate theoretical commitments into tangible actions. The summit’s organizers emphasize the importance of establishing clear mechanisms for monitoring progress and holding stakeholders accountable. This includes developing measurable indicators to track improvements in international cooperation, disease prevention, and environmental health.
the summit is expected to contribute to France’s presidency of the G7 in 2026 and will be integrated with the Africa-France Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, in May 2026. This broader engagement reflects the understanding that global health challenges require a coordinated response across multiple platforms and regions. The success of the One Health Summit will ultimately be measured by its ability to foster a more collaborative, integrated, and sustainable approach to protecting the health of both people and the planet.