Training course organized by ASPHER and the European Climate and Health Observatory.

While small and island nations are among the most vulnerable to climate change, they are also among the most important sources of leadership, innovation and inspiration for climate and health action worldwide. Their experiences offer valuable lessons for all countries seeking to build healthier, more resilient and sustainable futures. Building on the Call to action of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH), this event organized by WHO/Europe will bring together leaders and experts from the Pacific, European, Caribbean, and African regions to explore how countries most exposed to climate risks are turning ambition into action. Through lived experiences, national and regional perspectives, the session will examine how health can serve as a powerful entry point for accelerating climate action. The discussion will showcase practical solutions that are protecting populations, strengthening preparedness, reducing vulnerability and supporting sustainable development. It will also explore opportunities to scale impact through stronger partnerships and cross-regional collaboration.

The Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) Partnership will host its Annual Conference 2026 as a one-day pre-conference session at the European Public Health Conference in Bilbao. The event will bring together policymakers, researchers, institutions, practitioners, ecosystems and THCS-funded projects to explore how health and care systems can be transformed to address today’s most pressing societal challenges. Aligned with the priorities of the European public health community and with the overarching theme of the EPH Conference, the event will focus on interconnected entry points for system transformation: climate resilience, circularity, urban and rural health systems, equity, and research and innovation priorities.

This event organized by WHO/Europe builds on the Call to Action of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH), launched at the 79th World Health Assembly. The discussion will draw on experiences from Arctic and Nordic cooperation, including work through the Arctic Council, national climate and health initiatives, indigenous-led approaches, and health-system transformation efforts already underway. The overall objective is to identify practical implementation priorities while strengthening Nordic, Arctic and international collaboration on climate and health. We understand far more about climate and health than we did a decade ago and the Arctic communities are at the forefront of developing innovative adaptive responses, which can inspire action across Europe and the World. The challenge now is to strengthen implementation while continuing to build the knowledge, partnerships, implementation capacity and accountability needed to support action.

The 2026 European Public Health (EPH) Conference in Bilbao will focus on“Urban and global synergies: shaping the future of public health with climate resilience, equity and innovation.” The conference will explore how public health can respond to the interconnected challenges of climate change, urbanisation, health inequities, and sustainability, bringing together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to identify innovative solutions for healthier and more resilient communities. Key themes include climate-resilient health systems, the role of cities as drivers of health and sustainability, reducing inequalities in both urban and rural settings, and designing environments that support physical and mental wellbeing.

Extreme heat is an escalating threat to health and well-being, calling for stronger preparedness, coordinated action and protection of populations most at risk. This COP31 event organized by WHO/Europe will bring together policymakers, experts and local actors from across the European Region to share lessons from recent heatwaves and explore practical solutions that translate heat-health policies into action, from national strategies to community-level initiatives. Speakers will include delegates from the following organizations: the European Commission; the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety; United for Global Mental Health; the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; the cities of Athens and Paris; the Royal Institute of British Architects; the World Meteorological Organization; and the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health. WHO/Europe has published the second edition of its guidance on Heat–Health Action Plans (HHAPs), providing an updated framework to support countries and communities in strengthening preparedness, coordinated responses and protection against the growing health risks of extreme heat.

This event organized by WHO/Europe builds on the Call to Action of the Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health (PECCH), launched at the 79th World Health Assembly. The discussion will draw on experiences from Arctic and Nordic cooperation, including work through the Arctic Council, national climate and health initiatives, indigenous-led approaches, and health-system transformation efforts already underway. The overall objective is to identify practical implementation priorities while strengthening Nordic, Arctic and international collaboration on climate and health. We understand far more about climate and health than we did a decade ago and the Arctic communities are at the forefront of developing innovative adaptive responses, which can inspire action across Europe and the World. The challenge now is to strengthen implementation while continuing to build the knowledge, partnerships, implementation capacity and accountability needed to support action.

This Presidency conference will convene policymakers, researchers and civil society to explore how the One Health approach can address the interconnected challenges of climate change, human health, animal health and environmental sustainability.

This high-level conference will bring together EU, national and local policy-makers, scientists, health experts and civil society organisations to present the latest evidence on the health costs of pollution and discuss the way forward for an EU 2030 agenda which invests in people’s health, reduces disease cost, and lessens inequalities.

How do health systems survive, adapt, and transform in the face of crisis? From pandemics and climate shocks to cyberattacks and economic instability, today's health systems must not only withstand stress but emerge stronger. RESOLVE is a four-day intensive course designed to equip public health professionals, policymakers, analysts, and system leaders with the knowledge and tools to evaluate and enhance health system resilience. Delivered by experts from Trinity College Dublin and the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, this course blends cutting-edge research, real-world case studies, and practical exercises including a dynamic health system resilience stress test to deepen your understanding and sharpen your strategic response skills.