The 8th Global Public Health Conference – GLOBEHEAL 2025, themed “Community Engagement & Empowerment: Strengthening Health Promotion Initiatives,” was held at the Ambassador Hotel in Bangkok from 20-21 February 2025. This prestigious international gathering brought together experts, researchers, and professionals from diverse public health fields to exchange knowledge and innovative strategies for addressing global health challenges. The conference served as an invaluable platform for learning, collaboration, and networking, fostering discussions on crucial issues shaping the future of healthcare.

I was privileged to present a virtual poster on a scoping review that I co-authored with A/Prof Dr Pathiyil Ravi Shankar. Our study, titled ‘Knowledge, Perception, Attitude, and Practice about Climate Change among Health Professions Students and Practitioners: A Scoping Review from a Developing Countries Perspective,’ examined the awareness and engagement of healthcare professionals regarding climate change.

Presenting at an international platform like GLOBEHEAL was a significant milestone in my academic journey—especially as an undergraduate student sharing insights alongside seasoned researchers.

While I did not receive an award for my presentation, the experience itself was deeply rewarding. It reinforced my commitment to the One Health approach, which acknowledges the intricate connections between human, animal, and environmental health—a principle strongly emphasised at IMU University. The discussions at the conference highlighted the urgent need for sustainable healthcare practices, aligning closely with IMU’s mission to integrate One Health principles into medical education and practice.

As a student deeply passionate about climate-conscious healthcare, I found it inspiring to learn how different nations are implementing eco-friendly policies in healthcare settings. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations on climate resilience, environmental health, and public health interventions, further strengthening my belief that healthcare professionals must play an active role in environmental advocacy.

Beyond presenting my research, I had the unique opportunity to serve as a social media ambassador for the conference.

This role allowed me to connect with experts from around the world, amplify discussions on climate action in healthcare, and explore public health initiatives across different regions.

It was both an honour and a learning experience to witness the global momentum towards sustainable health policies.

One of the most exciting outcomes of this conference was my selection as the Country Coordinator for GLOBEHEAL 2026, which will be held in Bali, Indonesia. This role presents a remarkable opportunity to take on a leadership position, facilitate academic discussions, and contribute to the growth of next year’s conference. I look forward to working with a team of professionals and researchers to advance conversations on public health, sustainability, and healthcare innovation.

I am deeply grateful to A/Prof Dr Pathiyil Ravi Shankar for his invaluable mentorship and guidance throughout this research journey. His encouragement has been instrumental in refining my research skills and broadening my understanding of global health challenges.

I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my parents, whose unwavering support has been the foundation of my academic and professional growth. Their belief in my aspirations has continuously motivated me to seek new opportunities and strive for excellence.

Participating in GLOBEHEAL 2025 has been a truly transformative experience, strengthening my dedication to research, public health advocacy, and sustainability in healthcare. I hope to inspire more students to engage in meaningful research and take part in global discussions that will shape the future of healthcare, environmental health, and the One Health movement.

Written by Shahanapriyatinii A/P M Ganesan, IMU Medical Student from Cohort ME221