The Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya extends its heartfelt congratulations to the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) on its 20th Anniversary and the official unveiling of its new identity as UNU Global Health.
The milestone was commemorated during a high-level anniversary celebration held on 11 June 2026 at The Estate on Federal Hill, Kuala Lumpur. The event brought together representatives from government ministries, diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, academic institutions, and strategic partners to celebrate two decades of contributions to global health research, policy, capacity-building, and advocacy for health equity.
A key highlight of the evening was the lightning panel discussion, “Advancing Data Sovereignty for Equitable Digital Transformation in Health Systems”, moderated by Dr Revati Phalkey, Director of UNU-IIGH. The forum featured Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Rector of the United Nations University; Dr Mahesh Appannan, Director of the Digital Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia; Professor Dato’ Dr Sufian Jusoh, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and Mr Alhafidz Yahya, Acting Head and Director of Innovation at Malaysia’s National AI Office. The discussion explored the evolving landscape of health data sovereignty and digital health governance, highlighting the importance of ensuring that digital transformation strengthens health systems while safeguarding equity, trust, and the public interest.
The celebration also marked the official unveiling of the institute’s new identity as UNU Global Health, officiated by His Royal Highness Tuanku Muhriz Ibni Almarhum Tuanku Munawir, Yang di-Pertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, and Her Royal Highness Tunku Aishah Rohani Binti Almarhum Tengku Besar Mahmud. The new name and visual identity reflect the institute’s growing global presence and continued commitment to advancing health equity through research, policy engagement, convening, and capacity strengthening.
Over the years, the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine has had the privilege of collaborating closely with UNU-IIGH on a range of initiatives in public health research, capacity development, and health systems strengthening. Notably, the Department has worked with UNU-IIGH through the TDR Regional Training Centre for the Western Pacific Region (RTC-WPR) on Implementation Research, contributing to capacity-building efforts that support evidence-informed policy and practice across the region.
As UNU Global Health embarks on its third decade, the Department looks forward to strengthening this valued partnership and continuing collaborative efforts to address emerging public health challenges, advance implementation research, and promote equitable and resilient health systems.
Congratulations to UNU Global Health on this significant milestone, and best wishes for continued success and impact in the years ahead.
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