We invited Mr. Robin Takashi Lewis, Co-founder of mymizu and Co-CEO of Social Innovation Japan for the 9th Global Health Education Program (G-HEP) 2024. In his lecture, Mr. Lewis talked about his journey from business school, working within multiple sectors from the private sector to international organizations, sharing his lessons learnt, and motivation to become a social entrepreneur.

He introduced several important and practical concepts that can be used to tackle planetary health challenges. Concepts such as 1)“A Circular Economy” a production and consumption model designed to eliminate waste and pollution by maximizing the longevity and reuse of products and materials; 2) “Going Beyond Sustainability,” a transition from sustainability to a regenerative society where businesses strive to do less harm to the planet; and 3) “Triangle of Inaction” whereby thinking that other actors will act in our place, we indirectly promote inaction.

Mr. Lewis spoke about the idea and start of mymizu, a technological solution that he co-founded, with the aim of fostering community while encouraging the use of reusable water bottles, promoting sustainability and reducing plastic waste. He also shared several case study examples of planetary health innovations to give insight to the participants the number of possibilities there are when finding solutions to planetary health challenges.

Overall, Mr. Lewis left participants with many valuable takeaways, one being to rethink ways we as individuals, can take action to make a difference by solving problems in a changing world.

■ About Global Health Education Program (G-HEP)

The “Global Health Education Program (G-HEP)” vision is to establish a global community of young leaders that can work together to push global health agendas forward and to conduct human resources training and development for the future. The partnership with the Mahidol University Faculty of Public Health which began in 2018 extended the program’s boundaries through interactions among young generations not only from Japan but from the ASEAN region as well. This year’s program welcomes Emory University Rollins School of Public Health bringing a U.S. perspective to the program along with participants of diverse professions and backgrounds. Participants in G-HEP can work together to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation for solving complex global public health issues.

■ About The Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University

The Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University is ranked 3rd among all accredited schools and programs of public health in the United States. Located in Atlanta, known as the “Public Health Capital of the World,” the school draws strength from several unique local resources. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides many of the school’s nearly 200 adjunct faculty. The Carter Center is involved in international health intervention programs that provide student practicum opportunities. Students can learn from both in the classroom and as interns in the field. Students join the Rollins community from all 50 states and from more than 40 foreign countries to contribute to the school and apply knowledge to promote health and prevent disease in human populations.

■ About The Faculty of Public Health at Mahidol University

The Faculty of Public Health at Mahidol University, established in 1948 is the first public health academic institution in Thailand. At present, the Faculty of Public Health produces approximately 1,400 graduates in several majors from the Bachelor, Masters, and Doctoral levels. The faculty plays an integral role as an academic leader in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the development of the country on academic management, training, as well as academic service to Asia-Pacific countries. Since 1976, the faculty has been running the Master of Public Health – International Program, with over 1250 graduates from 42 different countries.

This project is supported by The Japan Foundation.