PARADIGM SHIFT – HEALTH AS A CRITICAL NATIONAL RESOURCE
Health is no longer just a personal or sectoral responsibility – it is the strategic foundation of every prosperous, resilient, and sustainable society. In the context of accelerated demographic aging, climate risks, increasing health inequalities, and economic vulnerabilities, health becomes one of the key national resources – not only in times of crisis but also as a long-term investment in stability and development.
This thematic area focuses on the need to redefine the role of healthcare: not as a cost, but as a driver of social and economic progress. We explore how to integrate health into the core of national policies, development strategies, and economic models, in line with global guidelines and initiatives such as the WHO’s agenda for strengthening investments in public health.
A special emphasis is placed on preventive measures, early diagnosis, and systematic investments in factors that prolong healthy years of life in the long term. Health is viewed as the backbone of social cohesion, community resilience, and a sustainable workforce in the 21st century.
POLICIES AND COLLABORATION FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT HEALTH SYSTEM
If health is recognized as a key national resource, then health systems must be designed to protect, preserve, and develop it. Health systems of the 21st century will be more than just infrastructure for treatment – they must be resilient to crises, focused on prevention, and deeply rooted in the principles of sustainable development. The key to achieving this goal lies in the transformation of health policies and the creation of strong cross-sector collaborations that connect all levels of society.
This thematic area addresses the question of how to shape health policy in line with the Health in All Policies approach – a framework developed by the World Health Organization with the aim of integrating health as a priority into all public policies. We explore how to connect stakeholders from various sectors – from the public and private sectors to local communities and civil society – and align their efforts towards a common goal: a healthier society. Faced with global changes marked by new challenges, creating a fair, efficient, and resilient health system requires joint action, strategic planning, and a long-term vision.
EXTENDING HEALTHY LIFESPAN
In an era when life expectancy is increasing, the true goal becomes clear: to live longer, but also healthier. More healthy years of life – without limitations caused by illness or reduced functionality – is today one of the key measures of success for health systems. To achieve this, the system must be fundamentally restructured: from reactive to proactive, from treating illness to maintaining and improving health.
This thematic area explores how personal responsibility, combined with systemic support, becomes a driver of change. The key focus is on all levels of prevention – primary (disease prevention), secondary (early detection), and tertiary (preventing complications) – using technology, data, and innovations for more precise and effective healthcare.
A special emphasis is placed on the importance of early recognition of risks, timely diagnosis, and the active involvement of citizens in decision-making about their own health. In line with the WHO definition of health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being, we also explore how an integrated, personalized, and holistic approach can elevate the quality of life – not only for individuals but for society as a whole.
