This league is composed of renowned institutions like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the University of Charite in Germany, Imperial College London in the United Kingdom, the National University in Singapore, the University of Geneva in Switzerland, the School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine at the University of London, the University of Kyoto in Japan, Sapienza University in Italy, Monash University in Australia, the Russian Academy of Medicine in the United States, along with the International Institute of Global Health at the United Nations University, and George Washington University in the United States. It also includes the Association of Academic Health Centers International, Coimbra Health in Portugal, Istanbul University in Turkey, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the USA, Makerere University in Uganda, Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India, National Taiwan University, and more.

From my perspective, the inclusion of Nims University Rajasthan, Jaipur, into the M8 Alliance, comprised of 31 prominent global health universities and institutions, signifies a significant leap forward in our university’s allegiance to global health initiatives. As for now, only three medical universities from Southeast Asia are part of this Alliance. The WHS, this year, has gained even more prominence as it applauded India’s remarkable achievements in public health, particularly its COVID vaccination program, recognized as the ‘Vaccine Maitri Program,’ and hailed it as a promising sign for India’s future. The Summit also underscored the importance of the “Pandemic Agreement” as a safeguard against pandemic threats like the coronavirus. The theme of WHS 2023, ‘A defining year for global health action,’ underscored the immediate need for international collaboration in addressing critical health issues and pandemic challenges.

I take immense pride in Nims University’s selection as a member of the Alliance. Our active participation in this Alliance has enabled us to emphasize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the 10 SDGs that have become an integral part of our institution’s mission.

WHS allowed me to share my perspective on the global stage, underlining the critical importance of international collaboration. I firmly believe that climate change represents the paramount challenge of our time, one that necessitates a unified effort to combat future health crises. We must shift our focus from addressing national health issues to the broader spectrum of global health challenges. Together, we can make a substantial impact on the well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.

These esteemed speakers contributed diverse perspectives and expertise, underlining the importance of global collaboration and innovative approaches to address worldwide health challenges in this pivotal year for global health endeavors.

The event also hosted a series of special events, launches, and selected partner events that were open to all participants, ranging from WHS 2023 Trees, the New Season of “Inside Charité,” Work as a Lever for Improving Population Health, Launch of the Equity 2030 Alliance, The Road to COP 28: Action towards Climate Change and Health, Launch of the Community Health Delivery Partnership, What Women Want for Health and Well-being – Listening Across the Life Course, Climate and Health – Women on the Frontlines of Disaster Risk Reduction etc.