The 30th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services (HPH) took place in Hiroshima City, Japan, from November 6-8, 2024. This marks the second HPH conference held in Asia, with the theme of advancing health equity and exploring the crucial role of healthcare and innovation in addressing existing disparities.

As a network initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), HPH pushes for the integration of health promotion principles within hospitals and healthcare service delivery. With nearly 600 hospital and health service members across 30 countries, HPH network plays a vital role in advancing these goals.

This conference brought together key stakeholders to address the interconnected challenges of climate change and health equity. Recognizing the profound impact of the climate crisis on human health, particularly among vulnerable populations, it delved into strategies for mitigation and adaptation while centering equity in all approaches.

During the conference, Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) co-organized a parallel session in collaboration with Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, Taiwan Society of Health Promoting Hospitals (TSHPH), and Midori no Doctors entitled “Climate Change and Health Inequality: Addressing the Dual Crisis”. Key highlights of the session included a presentation by Professor Masahiro Hashizume from the University of Tokyo on the multifaceted health impacts of climate change. Dr. Ming-Nan Lin, Vice Superintendent of Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, President of HPH society Taiwan, and Chairperson of the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals in Southeast Asia and Asia, also provided valuable insights into the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint and explored equitable approaches to mitigation. A subsequent panel discussion further enriched the discourse, which was participated by Mr. Will Clark of Health Care Without Harm Europe, Dr. Takashi Sasaki from Midori no Doctors, and Mr. Nick Thorp, Network Director of Global Green and Healthy Hospitals at Health Care Without Harm.

The panel delved into critical areas such as integrating resilience into everyday healthcare operations, empowering healthcare professionals and the power of grassroots movement in Japan, as well as the role of international collaboration and how cross-border alliances can accelerate progress. In his closing remarks for the session, Mr. Joji Sugawara, Vice-President of HGPI, urged participants to move beyond conventional practices, break down existing silos, and cultivate international collaboration in order to build resilient and inclusive healthcare systems.

The 30th International Conference on Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services successfully brought together a diverse range of stakeholders to address the urgent and interconnected challenges of climate change and health equity. Through insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and collaborative networking, the conference fostered a deeper understanding of the critical role of the healthcare sector in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

[Program] (Titles omitted, listed in alphabetical order)