While the pandemic itself has been the topic of much analysis, a global consensus on how best to prepare for the next one is yet to be reached.
More broadly, states are struggling to develop transnational responses to diverse existential threats to all humans, including increasing global inequity, effects of climate change, and the growing burden of both infectious and non-communicable diseases.
These and other vital global health topics will be up for discussion among leading international and New Zealand global health experts at this year’s event.
Co-director Prof Philip Hill said states inevitably prioritised self-interest in making and implementing global policies, even when the best interests of all humans were at stake.
"Global bodies are empowered to serve little more than a convening role, with individuals and states nonetheless viewing them with suspicion and as threats to sovereignty.
"Meanwhile, some states have out-sized influence over others. Inequities at the global policy level filter through to inequities in health management and outcomes."
He said global health was collaborative transnational research, and action to address health problems for all.
Key themes of this year’s school included global health diplomacy, law, governance and global institutions; a Pacific perspective on global health; preparedness for global health emergencies; lessons from the history of global health challenges; health nationalism and global equity; and global health responses.
