Youth-inclusive framework for a sustainable future in planetary health action: A conference summary

Abstract

The multisectoral nature of emerging global health threats, such as climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and food security, requires holistic solutions. Planetary health, which encompasses the relationship between human systems– political, economic, and social—and Earth's natural systems, is an emerging holistic approach used globally. The Global Health Workforce Network (GHWN) Youth Hub Virtual Conference 2022 was held on 9–10 September 2022 to discuss the role of youth in advancing planetary health. This conference summary introduces a novel youth-inclusive planetary health framework and describes the current implementation landscape and challenges of planetary health. Based on literature review and discussions at the conference, we identified four supporting pillars of youth-inclusive planetary health approaches: governance, competency-based education, research, and digital health. Considering the increasing number of youth in the global health workforce and their huge interests in community participation, meaningful youth engagement should be prioritized to ensure the sustainability of these approaches.