UNGA79: Collective Action on Climate & Health

Leaders from all sections of the climate and health community will take part in an invigorating intimate and high-level conversation centered on identifying the areas most viable for collective action by the private sector and other key climate and health stakeholders.

As the health impacts of our changing climate become increasingly visible, there is an urgent need for governments, multilaterals, the private sector, philanthropy, development finance, and civil society to work together to avoid catastrophic impacts of climate change on human health.

The private sector, in particular, has a critical role to play in the delivery of healthy people and a healthy planet. From climate resilient healthcare systems to climate smart food systems that enable equitable access to nutrition for a growing population, to climate resilient cities that promote healthy lifestyles, the private sector can play a direct role in delivering co-benefits for climate and health. In addition, through its financial products and services, including insurance, and via access to gigatons of data that can act as early warning systems, there is a vital indirect role the private sector can play. However, to unlock the full potential of the private sector in climate and health, collective action across the climate and health ecosystem is essential.

Together, we will explore questions such as:

• What are the areas where collective action could deliver the most material impact areas?
• What are the practical steps to accelerate action in these areas?
• What are the mechanisms for greater engagement and action between the private sector?