From October 12-14, 2025, the World Health Summit brought together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the future of health security, emergency management, and sustainable public health systems. Among the participants was Dr. Haitham Bashier, EMPHNET’s Director of the Public Health Emergency Management Center (PHEMC), who represented EMPHNET in several high-level panels and strategic meetings.

Championing Regional Voices in Global Health Governance

Dr. Bashier spoke as a panelist in the high-profile session “What Is Next for Global Health Emergencies? How to Sustain a Strong Global Health Emergency Architecture,” hosted by the German Federal Ministry of Health, the Robert Koch Institute, and GIZ. He shared reflections on the implications of shifting donor landscapes and emphasized the importance of regional mechanisms and networks, including EMPHNET, in ensuring resilient health-emergency architectures across the EMR.

Highlighting Regional Innovation in Public-Health Workforce Development

At the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI)-led session: “Mobilizing Global and National Public Health Assets to Build a Resilient and Sustainable Global Health Architecture,” Dr. Bashier presented EMPHNET’s experience in competency-based workforce training and the link of Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) to the mission and functions of the National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs). His remarks underscored EMPHNET’s commitment to aligning regional training with national priorities and to advancing partnerships for capacity development across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Engaging with Global Thought Leaders on NCDs and Healthy Economies

Dr. Bashier also contributed to the roundtable: “Shaping Healthier Economies: Creating Prosperity by Tackling Obesity and NCDs,” organized by the Economist Impact and sponsored by Novo Nordisk Germany. He joined experts from Portugal’s Ministry of Health, the European Parliament, the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, and European academics and research institutions to discuss policy innovations and inter-sectoral approaches to address non-communicable diseases and obesity through evidence-based interventions and economic reform.

Amplifying Community Voices in Crisis Response

In the GOARN Global Dialogues side event: “Community Protection in Contexts of Limited Statehood – Rethinking Response for Public Health Emergencies,” Dr. Bashier shared EMPHNET’s field experience from Gaza and Sudan. He highlighted how community-based approaches and local partnerships remain vital when state structures are weak or fragmented.

Strategic Partnership Building

Beyond the formal sessions, Dr. Bashier held bilateral meetings with a range of global partners, including the World Health Organization, IANPHI, the World Federation of Public Health Associations, the University for Peace, and others. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration in One Health, NCD prevention, capacity development, humanitarian work, and research.

Key Takeaways

The summit highlighted several emerging global health trends: a growing movement toward regionalized health governance, integration of AI in public health practice, and a strong international call for community empowerment. Dr. Bashier’s participation positioned EMPHNET as a leading regional voice in these transformative conversations.