Health Bridge Seminar Explores the Role of Health Diplomacy in Times of Crisis

The seminar gathered more than 30 participants onsite and over 40 online, reflecting strong interest in the topic among academic and professional communities. The event was also attended by Camilla Wristel from the Swedish Institute.

The seminar featured contributions from leading experts in global health and health diplomacy, including Anders Nordström, Michel Kazatchkine, Olesya Hulchiy, Ingrida Rumba-Rozenfelde and Sanita Oklu.

In addition, Nina Viberg presented the Health Bridge project, aimed at establishing a Health Diplomacy Institutional Network for Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea Region.

Discussions focused on the evolving role of health diplomacy in addressing complex challenges shaped by war, instability, and health system transformation. Participants actively engaged in dialogue on the need to strengthen academic collaboration, enhance preparedness for emergencies, and promote systematic exchange of experience between Ukraine and EU countries.

Particular attention was given to how lessons learned from the war in Ukraine can inform more resilient and adaptive health systems across the region, as well as to the role of academic institutions in translating these lessons into education, research, and policy.

As part of the Health Bridge project, funded by the Swedish Institute, a series of five seminars is planned:

• April and September 2026 
• January, March–April, and August–September 2027 

These seminars will focus on analysing lessons from the war in Ukraine, strengthening communication capacities, and integrating health diplomacy approaches into the training of health professionals.