This side event of the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP30) will discuss the crucial interlinkages between health, justice and climate change, as well as the health co-benefits of climate action. It will highlight the progress made by the Member States, the UN and the health community in building climate resilient and sustainable low carbon health systems via platforms such as the WHO-led Alliance for Transformative Action for Climate and Health (ATACH).

The event will release the COP30 Belém Health Action Plan and two supporting documents developed in collaboration with the global health community in the light of the Court of Justice (ICJ) Advisory Opinion and its imperative for health sector action.

The session will also provide an opportunity to advance the commitments made during recent COPs, highlighting solutions for promoting and accelerating mitigation, adaptation and climate actions for health systems resilience and a just transition.

Participation

This side event is open to attendees of COP30.

Please note that participants in UNU events may appear in photography, screen captures, videos and/or audio. For further information please refer to Events. 

Programme

13:15 Opening Remarks

Revati Phalkey (Director, UNU-IIGH)

13:20 First Panel Discussion — The Belem Health Action Plan (BHAP)

Alexandre Padialia (Minister of Health, Brazil) (TBC)
Tedros Ghebreyesus (Director General, World Health Organization (WHO)) — video message
Ilze Brands Kehris (Assistant-Secretary General, OHCHR)
Shinobu Yume Yamaguchi (Director, UNU-IAS)
Youssef Nassef (Director, Adaptation Unit at UNFCCC; Founder, Resilience Frontiers Initiative)

13:50 Second Panel Discussion — Implementing the BHAP for Climate Justice and Health Equity

Elisa Morgera (UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change & Human Rights)
Jaime de Bourbon de Parme (Climate Envoy, The Netherlands)
Raji Tajudeen (Deputy Director General, Africa CDC) — video message
Ronald Law (Director, Health and Climate Change Office, Department of Health, Philippines)
Abdul Mufeez Shaheed (Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change)

14:20 Interactive Discussion & Statements from UN Agencies

14:40 Closing Remarks