The United Arab Emirates issued a strong warning regarding the far-reaching consequences of ongoing regional attacks on global health, the environment, and food systems. The warning came as the UAE addressed international leaders at the One Health Global Summit, currently taking place in Lyon, France, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron with the participation of heads of state and over 30 ministers.
UAE Calls for Integrated Approach to Global Health Security
Representing Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, participated in the One Health Global Summit. This summit marked the first time heads of state and governments have convened within the “One Health” framework and was a key outcome of France’s presidency of the G7.
The summit brought together the Quadripartite – the World Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations – alongside governments from more than 20 countries, hundreds of international organizations, and representatives from the scientific community, the private sector, and civil society.
Attacks from Iran Condemned
During his address, Ahmed Al Sayegh strongly condemned attacks targeting the UAE, Gulf Arab states, and the wider region. He stated that the illegal, unjustified, and provocative attacks originating from Iran – involving over 2,700 drones and missiles – continue to cause loss of life, disrupt livelihoods, damage critical civilian infrastructure, and harm the environment.
Al Sayegh emphasized the inseparable link between human, animal, and environmental health, noting that risks are interconnected and that pressures on one system directly and rapidly impact others. He added that these developments highlight the close relationship between human health, critical infrastructure, the environment, global supply chains, and the necessitate for a more integrated, prevention-focused approach to enhance health security.
He stated that these attacks represent a war on the health of every nation, every consumer, and every family reliant on affordable energy and food, as well as the ecosystems and vital resources we all share.
Al Sayegh highlighted the importance of expanding the One Health approach to include environmental risks, such as air pollution, as a major contributor to chronic diseases and long-term health burdens globally.
The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to promoting an integrated, prevention-based approach to health security, grounded in science, effective governance, and close international cooperation.
International Collaboration and Bilateral Meetings
Al Sayegh joined heads of delegations, including President Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet of Cambodia, and Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Morocco, for a formal luncheon hosted by President Macron to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation on shared health priorities.
He expressed his appreciation to President Macron for his leadership and solidarity with the UAE during these circumstances.
On the sidelines of the summit, Al Sayegh held bilateral meetings with ministerial delegations from Indonesia, Italy, and South Korea to explore ways to enhance cooperation in the health sector and related fields.
The UAE called on partners and participants to unite around the One Health approach to protect human, animal, and environmental health, despite the current regional security situation and increasing challenges to international cooperation.
Al Sayegh affirmed the UAE’s support for the “One Health and Beyond” declaration and its collaboration with the global network of centers of excellence in this field, reiterating the country’s commitment to developing practical, implementation-focused solutions that integrate health, environmental, and climate priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “One Health” approach?
The “One Health” approach recognizes the inseparable link between human, animal, and environmental health, and advocates for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to address health challenges.
What specific attacks were referenced during the summit?
The attacks referenced were those originating from Iran, involving over 2,700 drones and missiles, targeting the UAE, Gulf Arab states, and the wider region.
Which organizations comprise the “Quadripartite” mentioned at the summit?
The Quadripartite consists of the World Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
As global challenges increasingly intersect, how can international cooperation best address the interconnectedness of health, security, and environmental sustainability?
