5th International One-Health Conference 2026

The 5th International One-Health Conference continues, since 2021, to gather prominent experts from institutions, academia, international organizations, civil society, and the health and environmental sectors to place One Health at the center of global scientific and policy discussions.

The rationale behind the 5th International One-Health Conference, titled “From Environmental Crises to Integral Ecology: A One Health Approach to Climate Change, Pollution, Biodiversity Loss, and Land Degradation,” is grounded in the recognition that the contemporary planetary crisis is increasingly shaped by interconnected and mutually reinforcing environmental, social, and health challenges. In the context of the Anthropocene, climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, land degradation, food insecurity, and emerging health threats can no longer be addressed through isolated sectoral approaches, but require systemic and interdisciplinary responses.

Building upon the principles of Integral Ecology, inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, the conference promotes a holistic vision that recognizes the deep interdependence between human beings, animals, ecosystems, and socio-economic systems. This perspective aligns closely with the One Health framework, which emphasizes that the health of people, animals, and the environment are inseparable and must be addressed through collaborative governance, scientific cooperation, and inclusive policies.

The conference also integrates the concept of environmental “polycrisis,” highlighted in major international assessments such as the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7), referring to overlapping crises that amplify vulnerabilities and systemic risks across sectors and communities. Particular attention is given to the Mediterranean region as a climate hotspot and a strategic laboratory for understanding the impacts of environmental degradation, urban vulnerability, pollution, water stress, biodiversity decline, and climate-induced health risks.

Furthermore, the conference emphasizes the importance of environmental justice, social equity, and the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalized communities, recognizing that the impacts of environmental crises are unevenly distributed. It highlights the value of traditional ecological knowledge, community-based approaches, and ethical governance in building resilience and sustainable transitions.

By fostering dialogue among researchers, policymakers, health professionals, environmental experts, youth networks, and international organizations, the 5th International One-Health Conference seeks to strengthen the science-policy interface and advance integrated strategies capable of addressing the complex challenges of the Anthropocene. The conference ultimately aims to contribute to a transformative vision of sustainable development rooted in ecological integrity, public health, climate resilience, and global solidarit