27
Jan

The Asia-Pacific region is navigating a complex period marked by rapid demographic transitions, accelerating climate change, and a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These factors, including aging populations, inequity, and planetary pressures, are converging to create unprecedented challenges for public health and sustainable development. To address these interconnected issues effectively, a more integrated governance approach is urgently needed—one that provides benefits across multiple domains.

This side event will focus on co-benefits—policies and actions that simultaneously improve human health, advance equity, and protect the environment. By highlighting these synergistic approaches, the session will demonstrate how smart governance and multisectoral partnerships can unlock accelerated progress toward a healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable future. This is crucial for building resilient communities and health systems that can withstand future shocks while addressing the immediate challenges of climate change and demographic shifts.

Focus & Framing

• Theme: Healthy aging, healthy people, healthy planet – co-benefits in action.
• Core Question: How can climate–health co-benefits—cleaner air, active transport, resilient food systems, and heat adaptation—accelerate progress on NCD prevention, healthy aging, and equity?.
• Entry Point: Pertinent issues such as air pollution, food security, food systems, heat, and physical activity can serve as a shared driver of climate change, NCDs, and inequity.
• Policy Windows: The event is strategically timed to link with the UN NCD High-Level Meeting (2025) and COP31 (2026), providing key opportunities to elevate co-benefits in global policy and advocacy.