UAE Calls for Unified One Health Action to Mitigate Global Health and Environmental Risks Amid Regional Attacks
Lyon: At the One Health Summit in Lyon, France, the UAE issued a critical warning regarding the extensive global health, environmental, and food system repercussions stemming from ongoing illegal and unprovoked attacks in the region. Convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit gathered heads of state and over 30 ministers to address pressing health and environmental issues.
Representing President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of Health and Prevention, participated in the summit. This event marked a significant milestone under the French Republic’s G7 Presidency, being the first occasion that Heads of State and Government convened under a One Health framework.
Global Collaboration on Health Security
The summit saw the participation of the Quadripartite, which includes the World Health Organization, the World Organisation for Animal Health, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. Additionally, it brought together representatives from over 20 countries at the ministerial level, along with hundreds of international organizations, scientists, and civil society members.
During his address, Al Sayegh strongly condemned the attacks on the UAE, Gulf states, and the broader region. He stated that “the illegal, unjustifiable, and unprovoked attacks from Iran, encompassing over 2,700 drones and missiles, continue to exact a toll on human lives and livelihoods, critical civilian infrastructure, and the environment simultaneously.”
He emphasized the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, noting that pressures on one system can rapidly affect the others.
The Urgency of Integrated Health Approaches
Al Sayegh highlighted the urgent need for a more integrated, prevention-focused approach to health security. He remarked, “This is a war against the health of every country, every consumer, and every family that depends on affordable energy and food; against ecosystems that are being damaged; and against critical resources that we all share.”
He further stressed the importance of expanding the One Health framework beyond zoonotic diseases to include environmental risks, such as air pollution, which significantly contributes to chronic diseases and long-term health challenges globally.
Al Sayegh reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing a holistic, science-based approach to health security, underpinned by robust governance and international collaboration.
Strengthening International Partnerships
At a luncheon hosted by President Macron, Al Sayegh joined other heads of delegation, including President Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, and Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet of Cambodia. The gathering aimed to enhance cooperation on shared health priorities.
He expressed gratitude to President Macron for his leadership and solidarity with the UAE during these challenging times.
On the sidelines of the summit, Al Sayegh engaged in bilateral meetings with ministerial delegations from Indonesia, Italy, and the Republic of Korea to bolster cooperation across health and related sectors.
The UAE called on all partners and participants to unite around the One Health approach to safeguard the health of humans, animals, and the environment, particularly in light of the current regional security situation and the strains on international cooperation.
Al Sayegh announced the UAE’s endorsement of the One Health and Beyond Declaration and its collaboration with the One Health Centre of Excellence Global Network. This commitment aims to promote practical, implementation-focused solutions that integrate health, environmental, and climate priorities.
As reported by www.emirates247.com.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section: https://famedelivered.com/magazine/
Published on 2026-04-09 17:51:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk