As the world gathered at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), convened a pivotal high-level event to address the intersection of climate change, migration, displacement and health.
COP29 brought attention to adaptation, loss and damage, emphasizing an inclusive process and outcomes. This includes integrating the health needs of migrants and refugees into national adaptation plans, scaling up investments in migrant-inclusive health systems and leveraging partnerships for community-centred solutions.
Hosted at the Health Pavilion, this event featured remarks from WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and high-level government representatives from Azerbaijan, Malawi and Yemen alongside a youth leader and representatives from each of the co-organizers. The discussions underscored the urgent need for integrated action to protect the health and well-being of migrants, refugees and displaced populations.
"Up to 1.2 billion people could be displaced by 2050 due to climate-driven events. The climate crisis is a health crisis, including the health of migrants," stressed WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Dr Tedros called on global leaders to take decisive action, stating, "we would therefore like to have migrant health included in the declaration at this and future COPs. In a rapidly changing world, it is critical that we work together, so that everyone, everywhere can access the health services they need."
At this event, panelists shared national strategies and challenges in building health systems that are climate-resilient while also migrant- and refugee-inclusive. The panel emphasized the importance of addressing mental health needs in displaced communities and leveraging partnerships to create sustainable and scalable solutions. It also stressed the urgency of advancing evidence-based policies and fostering collaboration to address the triple nexus of health, climate change and migration. The event underscored the necessity to actively engage and reflect the voices and experiences of migrants, displaced populations and host communities.
As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, it is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind in order to effectively contribute to achieving Universal Health Coverage and Health for All. The panelists called on governments to include migrants and refugees in all policies, strategies and programmes related to climate change. WHO highlighted findings from the latest evidence brief , emphasizing long-term strategies that prioritize governance, workforce training and inclusive service delivery.
The discussions at COP29 highlighted the need for multisectoral collaboration to design health systems that are both migrant- and refugee-inclusive as well as climate resilient. Only then can we pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Quotes from panelists
Mr Vugar Mammadov, Head of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Health, Azerbaijan, COP29 Presidency
"As populations are increasingly being displaced, it is crucial to move beyond short-term, reactive responses to the health needs of climate-affected migrants and displaced populations."
Dr Galal Al-Zaoary, Director General of Environment, Climate Change and Health Administration, Ministry of Public Health and Population, Yemen
"Strengthening climate resilience in health will be in coordination and partnership with WHO to access and provide training for the Ministry of Health, preparing a national strategy and using global tools to enhance WASH facilities and the health system."
Mr Hendricks Mgodie, Climate Change and Human Health Manager, Ministry of Health, Malawi
"Providing a full package of healthcare services in migrant and displaced communities is very essential. There is also a need to conduct a participatory approach whereby knowledge and experiences on adaptation can be identified by the local communities facing the daily realities."
Mr Andrew Harper, Special Advisor on Climate Action, UNHCR
''Forcibly displaced and stateless people must be included in national systems and climate preparedness and response policies and plans. Refugee hosting countries need international support to address climate related health challenges and build more climate resilient health systems for all.''
Mr Christopher Richter, Migration Environment and Climate Change Specialist, IOM Regional Office, Bangkok
"IOM is committed to providing equitable access to health services for everyone, including internally displaced persons and migrants, in host communities and countries. Additionally, IOM ensures the health and well-being of people on the move and promotes their involvement in climate resilience and health adaptation processes."
Dr Santino Severoni, Director, WHO Health and Migration
"It is paramount to invest into health systems, which means tackling all the functions of the system, starting from governance, healthcare workforce, training and service provision, to bring the issue of migration, health and climate change at the center to address short-term and long-term implications."
Dr Petra Khoury, Director, Health and Care Department, IFRC
"From the angle of communities, bringing sustainable financing before the crisis happens and continuing for the recovery phase is crucial. We do great during emergencies but phases before (preparedness) and after are not well financed."
Mr Crispus Mwemaho, IOM COP29 Youth Delegate on Climate Migration and Health Justice Advocate
"We need to invest more in continuous medical education and capacity building on climate and health, with a particular focus on mental health. Without reliable data on the nexus between climate change and health, we lack the evidence necessary to influence global policies effectively and address these critical challenges. When we don't meet these gaps, we are deepening and contributing to more crisis."
