The 18th APRU Global Health Conference 2025, hosted by Universiti Malaya, officially commenced on 29 October 2025 at the Institute of Research Management and Monitoring (IPPP). The opening ceremony was officiated by the Honourable Minister of Health, YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, setting a powerful tone for the conference themed “Towards Planetary Health Equity: A Global Call for Shared Solutions.”
Held in conjunction with UM International Week 2025, the conference brings together distinguished scholars, public health experts, and policymakers from across the Pacific Rim to address urgent global health challenges through a planetary health lens.
Launch of the “Plant a Tree” Campaign
As part of a meaningful and symbolic gesture towards environmental responsibility, the opening ceremony featured the launch of the “Plant a Tree” campaign. The Honourable Minister, accompanied by Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, the Vice-Chancellor of UM, led this initiative by planting a tree, marking the start of a collective effort to offset the conference’s carbon footprint.
A total of 120 native tree saplings were planted to represent the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of UM. This initiative reflects the conference’s strong commitment to tangible climate action and reinforces the message that planetary health must be backed by measurable, locally grounded efforts in environmental stewardship.
A United Call for Shared Solutions
In his address, the Minister of Health emphasised the growing interdependence between public health and environmental sustainability. He called for whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to safeguard the health of populations in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and widening health inequities.
As the conference proceeds, delegates will engage in critical discussions across various domains, from health system strengthening and equity to digital innovations and climate adaptation, contributing to a collective roadmap for a healthier, more sustainable future.
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