About

Transforming Asian
Health Systems:

A Vision for Equitable, Low-Carbon,
Sustainable, and Climate-Resilient Healthcare

Chuyển đổi Hệ thống y tế Châu Á:

Hướng đến Hệ thống y tế Công bằng, phát thải Các-bon thấp,

và Thích ứng Bền vững với Biến đổi Khí hậu

Our Conference Objectives

The International Scientific Conference on Climate Change and Health and the 6th Asia-Pacific Green Healthcare System Conference, aimed to build a stronger leadership and movement for healthcare climate action across Asia, towards a more sustainable, low-carbon, and climate- resilient region.

To inspire a paradigm shift within the region by reimagining healthcare systems and facilities for transformative resilience, effectively addressing the demands of the present and anticipating future challenges through strategic adaptation and mitigation initiatives.

To foster a collaborative regional approach among green hospitals in Asia to address climate vulnerabilities, promote a just transition in healthcare systems in the region, empower communities for health and climate justice, and integrate detoxification and decarbonization through an equity and justice lens.

To empower healthcare leaders and champions in driving collective action for climate and environmental health through effective leadership and advocacy strategies.

Plenary Sessions and Primary Thematic Areas

Adaptation
and Mitigation

Health Equity
and Justice

Health Leadership
and Advocacy

The Sub-Thematic Areas

Sustainable Health Procurement

Air Pollution

Climate and Health

Energy Efficiency and Access

Sustainable Food and Healthcare

Resilient Infrastructure and Building Design

Plastics and Waste

Water / WASH

Climate change and Mental Health

Financing for Development

Climate, and Trauma and Injury Prevention

Occupational Health

Environmental Health

Children's Health and Climate Change

An Environmentally Sustainable Conference

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do in this conference. We are committed to hosting an international event that not only discusses the themes above-mentioned but actively demonstrates it through our conference operations and practices:

Vegetarian Meal Options

In line with our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint, we served vegetarian meal options throughout the conference. This choice supports both environmental sustainability and health.

Eco-Friendly Venues and Materials

The venues and materials we’ve selected are eco-conscious to ensure that our conference aligns with the principles of sustainability. We worked with vendors and partners who share our commitment to green practices.

Plastic-Free Policy

We strived for a plastic-free event, minimizing the use of plastic materials across the conference, including in catering, giveaways, and packaging. We encouraged all participants to bring reusable water bottles and bags.

Participant Responsibility

We required all participants to understand and adhere to these sustainability guidelines. Their cooperation was vital in helping us achieve our goal of hosting a truly sustainable event.

Digital Documentation

To minimize paper waste, all conference documents were produced in digital format. We did not print any materials, and participants were encouraged to bring their own devices to access agendas, presentations, and other resources.

Our History

The International Scientific Conference on Climate Change and Health and the 6th Asia-Pacific Green Healthcare System Conference, was born from the strategic combination of the Green Hospitals Asian Conference (GHAC), an initiative of HCWH SEA, and an international conference on climate change and health. This convergence aims to amplify our collective impact by addressing the pressing challenges of climate change on health systems across Asia and beyond.

Originating in Manila, Philippines, in 2013, with participation from healthcare facilities across Asia and HCWH representatives worldwide, GHAC has evolved into a regular focal point for the flourishing network of healthcare professionals and institutions in the region, fostering dialogues on pressing climate and health issues. Subsequent GHAC gatherings have been held in South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and most recently in Singapore in 2019, solidifying its role in advancing green healthcare in Asia.

With an enhanced focus on achieving climate ambition, the conference serves as a unified platform for hospitals, health systems, climate advocates, and various stakeholders in the pursuit of environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient healthcare in Asia, aligning with the mission and objectives of HCWH and the Ministry of Health of Vietnam.

About the Organizers

Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia

Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia is an organization that seeks to transform healthcare so that it reduces its environmental footprint and becomes a community anchor for sustainability. Our mission is to champion people's right to health and a healthy environment, leading healthcare sector transformation in the region towards climate resilience, decarbonization, and sustainability. By adhering to the “Do No Harm” principle, the organization envisions mitigating healthcare’s impacts, promoting broader societal transformation, and creating community health and resilience.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is the governing body responsible for Vietnam's healthcare system, the MOH works to improve public health, formulate health policies, regulate medical services, and promote health education initiatives.

Vietnam Health Environment Management Agency (VIHEMA)

The Vietnam Health Environmental Management Agency (VIHEMA) was established by the Ministry of Health (MOH) with a mandate to oversee and manage key institutional responsibilities related to Healthcare Waste Management (HCWM) within the health sector of Vietnam. VIHEMA's role is pivotal in ensuring the safe and environmentally responsible management of healthcare waste and other environmental matters associated with the healthcare industry.

Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HPMU)

Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HPMU) is a medical university under the authority of the Ministry of Health. The university's mission is to evolve into a leading Research and Training Centre for Medicine and Pharmacy Science. It aims to transfer reputable technology both domestically and internationally, providing high-quality medical professionals to meet healthcare demands.

Center for Health Environment Research and Development (CHERAD)

Center for Health Environment Research and Development (CHERAD) is an organization that is dedicated to advancing the critical connection between human health and the environment. Its mission is to foster a healthier environment that promotes public health improvement within the Vietnamese community. With a vision to become a leading Research and Development Center in the health environment ecosystem, CHERAD is committed to assembling an exceptional team of experts, leveraging advanced management systems, and utilizing cutting-edge research methods to pioneer innovative solutions. Our goal is to set the standard for excellence in bridging environmental well-being and public health for the betterment of all.

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an international development finance institution headquartered in Manila, Philippines with 68 member countries, 49 of which are from the Asia and Pacific region. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. ADB combines finance, knowledge, and partnerships to fulfill its vision.

In the health sector, ADB supports its developing member countries (DMCs) respond to the challenge of restoring their progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in a post-COVID-19 world. This includes supporting DMCs (i) improve governance, policy, and public goods; (ii) enhance health financing and incentives; (iii) expand health infrastructure and systems; (iv) strengthen the human resources for health; and (v) enhance pandemic preparedness and response. ADB also supports DMCs adopt climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in the health sector, promote gender equality in health, and harness the private health sector.

FHI 360 Asia Pacific and Vietnam Office

FHI 360 Asia Pacific and Vietnam Office is a global non-profit organization headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, committed to enhancing human development worldwide. Operating across a diverse range of sectors, including health, education, nutrition, and economic development, FHI 360 collaborates with governments, NGOs, and communities to address complex global challenges. With a focus on evidence-based solutions, they work to improve the lives of individuals and communities, promote public health, and advance sustainable development initiatives on a global scale.

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) - Vietnam Office

UNICEF is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of children in Vietnam and across the globe, ensuring they have a healthy start in life and healthy environment, including access to quality education, and protection from violence and exploitation. By working closely with the governments, local communities, and other partners, UNICEF aims to address the needs of the most vulnerable children, advocating for policies and practices that provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. Through innovative programs and initiatives, UNICEF strives to improve the health, education, and overall well-being of children, empowering them to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of their communities.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)- Vietnam Office

UNDP actively collaborates with the government, local communities, and the private sector to drive sustainable development and reduce poverty across the nation and globally. By addressing key issues such as climate change resilience, economic inequality, and democratic governance, UNDP empowers communities with the tools and knowledge necessary for long-term growth and prosperity. Through its comprehensive programs and initiatives, the organization plays a vital role in fostering inclusive development and enhancing the quality of life for all people while protecting the planet.