UNU-CRIS was proudly represented at the 4th International One Health Conference in Rome

UNU-CRIS was proudly represented at the 4th International One Health Conference held in Rome from 30 September to 2 October 2025. Nidhi Nagabhatla presented a keynote on linking One Health approaches with climate change actions, emphasizing the importance of addressing existing gaps and needs for integrated health governance.

Also, Vijay Kumar Chattu participated, and presented a joint paper discussing novel interdisciplinary approaches within the One Health framework in the context of the Caribbean region.

Vijay Kumar Chattu participated, and presented a joint paper with Nidhi Nagabhatla discussing novel interdisciplinary approaches within the One Health framework in the context of the Caribbean region. The presentation entitled "Advancing One Health Agenda through Bridgetown Declaration in CARICOM: Regional Health Diplomacy for addressing NCDs, Mental Health & Climate Crisis" was delivered at the event. The research examined the pivotal role of Caribbean Regional Health Diplomacy—anchored in a One Health approach—in shaping global health policy and advancing integrated responses to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and climate change. The Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) leadership, exemplified by the ‘Port of Spain Summit’ and ‘Bridgetown Declaration’, has established a robust framework for addressing the interconnected health, environmental, and social challenges facing small island developing states. By recognizing the inextricable links between human, animal, and ecological health, the region’s high-level political commitment has fostered multisectoral action, resource allocation, and strengthened partnerships at both regional and global levels. These initiatives align closely with the United Nations (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage targets, reinforcing the region’s commitment to building resilient and sustainable health systems. The presentation also provided an overview of the evolution of regional health diplomacy within CARICOM, highlighting its strategic use of normative frameworks and advocacy at international platforms, viz., the UN, supported ‘One Health’ agenda. The research explored the unique vulnerabilities in this region, including the compounded threats posed by NCDs, climate change, and mental health conditions. The work  reflected on the regional policies that have been designed to address these challenges, building on the mandate of the Bridgetown Declaration, and unpack how aligned the Declaration is in advancing One Health, while demonstrating how this policy action (declaration) can serve as a model for other regions. By documenting regional experience from this CARICOM-focused agreement, the research underscored the value of political leadership and regional cooperation in operationalizing a health-focused agenda to advance and achieve ‘One Health’ and related development outcomes

Overall, UNU-CRIS contributions helped enrich discussions bridging science, policy, and society to advance the global One Health vision.