Malta hosts inaugural global health summit, drawing experts from around the world

On Thursday, 31 July and Friday, 1 August 2025, Malta marked a historic milestone, particularly for current and aspiring professionals in the public health field, but also for the general public. It was a joint initiative between the University of Malta’s Department of Public Health and the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine.

In a world still reckoning with the far-reaching effects of recent global health crises, from pandemics to climate-related emergencies, the relevance of public health has never been clearer, or more personal. From the quality of the air we breathe to the systems that respond in times of crisis, public health impacts us all. Staying engaged with how data and international collaboration shape health outcomes is not just a professional concern is a public responsibility.

Against this backdrop, Malta hosted the first-ever Global Health Summit, themed “Harnessing Data and Multilateral Collaborations to Advance Population Health.” Other than it being a professional gathering for experts from across the globe, the summit served as a timely reminder that public health is not an abstract concept confined to policymakers or academics. It is a thread that weaves through the daily lives of every citizen.

Prof. Neville Calleja, one of the organisers of the summit, opened the proceedings, where he spoke about the sharing of knowledge, data and lived experiences carrying immense value in this sphere. “This summit reflects our commitment to breaking silos and fostering collaboration, because advancing global health depends on our collective wisdom and united action”, he said. 

The summit’s opening day featured two compelling keynote addresses delivered by distinguished Maltese public health experts, each bringing a wealth of international experience to the stage.

Mr Martin Seychell, Director-General at DG International Partnerships of the European Commission, emphasised the critical role of data-driven strategies and international cooperation in shaping effective global health responses, whereas Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, WHO Euro Director for Country Health Policies and Systems, highlighted pressing public health policy challenges and the opportunities for systems strengthening through coordinated, multilateral approaches.

The second day of proceedings placed a stronger focus on establishing research priorities and exploring potential funding sources to support innovation and collaboration in the global health space. A standout moment was the presentation by three Ghanaian students, recipients of Overseas Development Assistance, who are currently in Malta for an orientation visit as part of a study-abroad programme facilitated by the local NGO, HopeXchange.

HopeXchange is a Malta-based organisation dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare in underserved communities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Through its programs, it fosters partnerships between countries, institutions, and individuals working to advance equitable health outcomes across borders.

The students’ presentation offered more than just an academic perspective: it was a vivid reminder of how global health thrives on the exchange of real-world insights, lived experiences, and diverse cultural contexts that enrich and challenge traditional approaches to population health.

The summit also served as a powerful affirmation of Malta’s growing strategic role in global public health. As a nation at the crossroads of continents, Malta continues to leverage its geographic positioning to advance health equity, digital innovation, and cross-border collaboration. 

Dr Elena Cyrus, co-organiser of the summit and an international public health expert, noted: “Malta has shown that small nations can have outsized influence when it comes to shaping the global health agenda. By prioritising digitalisation, inclusivity, and multilateral collaboration, Malta is not only contributing to progress: it’s helping lead it.”

The summit also explored key global health themes, including migrant health issues and care responses for infectious disease management while reinforcing the need for sustained investment in public health to build more resilient and equitable health systems worldwide.