The Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health has provided an excellent opportunity for participants to share examples of good practice and political commitment to promote environment and health initiatives in the WHO European Region. Capturing the commitment of different partners – the private and public sectors from local to national and international levels – as well as actively engaging civil society and the media are essential elements for success.
Focus on day two of the Conference was also on the importance of improving the capacity of countries to leverage funds to address climate change targets and related health concerns.
Delegates agreed that ensuring the full participation of young people in policy development adds a dimension of sustainability and legitimacy to the environment and health process.
The second day of the Conference in Parma, Italy, began with an award ceremony recognizing the essential work of civil society, in partnership with government, in advocating and implementing environmental measures to protect and improve children’s health. Over 100 entries were received from 31 countries in the European Region and the organizers presented awards for projects in eight categories: water and sanitation, accident prevention, air quality, chemicals, mobility, climate protection, youth participation and schools.
During a lively panel discussion, youth and civil society representatives asked panelists to explain more about their countries’ successful initiatives. Following an explanation of Austria’s mobility policies, making public transport free for young people and promoting environmentally-friendly vehicles and fuel, Ms Diba Hadziahmetovic, the youth delegate from Bosnia and Herzegovina was invited to Austria to learn more about how young people can advocate for free public transport.
The elements of successful national policy implementation identified by delegates include strong political will, a clear strategy, human and financial resources, a coordinator and national taskforce that set clear priorities and drive implementation, a good mix of regulations and voluntary incentives, participation from all stakeholders and youth partnership.
How do we generate resources?
Many delegates underlined the difficulties in harnessing new resources in today’s economic climate. Sessions in the afternoon provided innovative solutions for providing both financial and human resources to promote health and environment issues. Dr Catherine Geslain-Lanéelle, Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority, explained how her organization engages a network of over 350 scientific organizations across Europe who lend their experts to undertake the Authority’s work.
Ms Kori Udovicki, Regional Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, spoke of harnessing funds to meet climate change targets and related health returns, which will increasingly come from non-traditional sources. She spoke of the need to promote green investment, particularly in the private sector, and how the international community should support countries in removing barriers to accessing funding and build country capacity to leverage funds themselves.
Why engage children and young people?
The final session on the second day of the Conference acknowledged the contribution of the media to the environment and health process. Dr Deborah Cohen, Senior Health Editor of the British Medical Journal, commented: “Reporting on health and science isn’t easy but plays a vital role in democracy and getting messages out to the public.” Five young journalists and members of the World Health Youth (WHY) Communication Network from across the European Region were presented with awards for their articles on environment and health themes.
On the final day of the Conference, discussions will focus on dealing with climate change and the future of the environment and health process in Europe. The Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health will conclude with the signing of the Conference Declaration.