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In a significant event at the G20 Summit in Brazil, leaders from the Quadripartite collaboration—comprising the FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH—gathered to discuss the critical One Health approach, which links human, animal, plant, and environmental health. The October 30 meeting emphasized the urgent need for strong governance and multisectoral coordination to tackle global health challenges exacerbated by climate change and other crises. Brazilian Health Minister Nísia Trindade highlighted the establishment of a national One Health plan, while representatives from various sectors underscored the importance of collaboration in building resilient health systems. The discussions reinforced commitments to the One Health Joint Plan of Action, aiming to foster improved health outcomes worldwide.

Ministerial Insights Highlight Need of Multisectoral Approaches

In a pivotal gathering during the G20 Summit, the Quadripartite collaboration on One Health—comprising the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)—hosted a high-level meeting on October 30, 2024. The event emphasized the urgent need for robust governance and coordination to implement the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

Brazil, serving as G20 President in 2024, reasserted the commitment to One Health, building on the advocacy of previous presidencies from Indonesia and India. The meeting sought to create an enabling environment for collaboration across various sectors and levels, focusing on effective governance, legal frameworks, and sustainable financing to address interconnected global health challenges.

Collaborative Dialogue on Health System Resilience

During the panel discussion, “Creating an Enabling Environment for One Health Implementation,” ministers from G20 nations shared strategies and real-world examples of successful One Health initiatives. Nísia Trindade, Brazil's Minister of Health, highlighted the establishment of the Interinstitutional Technical Committee for One Health, which aims to develop a comprehensive national plan. “We must prepare our countries for the challenges posed by climate change and its consequences for human health,” she stated, underscoring the pressing nature of health debates amid multiple global crises.

FAO’s Thanawat Tiensin stressed the importance of a united strategy, stating, “Through collaboration across human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health sectors, we can build stronger, more resilient health systems that safeguard both people and our planet.” His remarks reflect a growing consensus on the necessity of integrating diverse fields to bolster health security.