Office of Communications, communications@aub.edu.lb
As transnational health challenges grow increasingly complex, the Global Health Institute (GHI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) is spearheading the World Health Summit (WHS) Academic Alliance Working Group on Health and Science Diplomacy, positioning the institute at the forefront of global efforts to advance evidence-informed policies and international collaboration.
Chaired by Dr. Shadi Saleh, GHI founding director, with the institute serving as secretariat, the working group unites a diverse coalition of leading academic, global health, and multilateral institutions, along with internationally recognized experts. It aims to strengthen capacity, promote policy dialogue, and generate evidence and thought leadership in the field of health and science diplomacy. It also fosters collaboration among members to advance joint initiatives with sustainable, long-term impact.
The working group, which was initiated during the World Health Summit 2025, held its inaugural meeting on March 4, 2026, convening more than 17 experts from 11 institutions across multiple regions.
Reflecting on the launch, Dr. Shadi Saleh, chair of the working group, highlighted the importance of reinforcing linkages between health, science, and diplomacy to address emerging global health challenges. He noted that the working group establishes a strategic platform to inform policy, enable cross-sector collaboration, and drive coordinated action toward more resilient and sustainable health systems.
Participants included representatives from the Alliance of Academic Health Centers International, the George Washington University, and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (United States); Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal); Université Paris Cité (France); National University of Singapore (Singapore); Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Iran); Peking University (China); Trinity College Dublin (Ireland); and the United Nations University (Japan).
Leading this initiative underscores AUB GHI's growing role as a regional and global convener in the field. Through its interdisciplinary work, the Global Health Institute advances the future of science diplomacy by preserving scientific credibility, cultivating diplomats fluent in science, and nurturing scientists who are adept in diplomacy.
Initiatives such as this working group play a central role in mobilizing collective action and elevating health priorities in global policy and international agendas.
About GHI
The Global Health Institute (GHI) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) addresses global health challenges with a focus on context and sustainable impact by employing an interdisciplinary approach. GHI is structured into three divisions: the Programs Division, which leads research, policy, and advocacy efforts; the Academy Division, which provides capacity-building initiatives for diverse populations; and the ASSIST Division, which supports community-level actors, particularly non-governmental organizations, with a range of services and resources.