On 23-24 August 2025, students, academics, and health professionals from various countries, including Indonesia, gathered online to launch the 3rd International Borneo One Health Summer Camp (IB OHSeM 2025). This initiative serves as a precursor to in-person meetings at Universiti Malaysia Sabah from August 31 to September 8, 2025, focusing on the theme “Planetary Health Future Leaders: Essential Leadership Skills to Tackle the Triple Planetary Health Crisis.”
With a focus on climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, IB OHSeM 2025 aims to cultivate young leaders equipped to tackle these pressing issues. The event is designed to empower participants with essential leadership skills that will prepare them for the challenges of planetary health.
Over two days, participants in the Faculty of Public Health, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), also engaged with insights from more than ten international experts, exploring the connections between human, animal, and environmental health within the One Health framework. Topics ranged from the impact of climate change on infectious diseases in Southeast Asia to the long-term effects of pollution on reproductive health.
Datuk Dr. Mohd. Yusof Hj. Ibrahim, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Malaysia Sabah, highlighted the significance of the event as a platform for nurturing ethical and interdisciplinary future leaders committed to environmental sustainability. He emphasised the importance of collaboration across borders to effectively address these global challenges.
Key sessions included Dr. Trixie Marjorie Tangit discussing the integration of ancestral wisdom with modern innovation, while Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Lokman Md Isa examined the concept of One Health and the critical role of biodiversity conservation. The dangers of climate change were addressed by Dr. Siti Aisah Mokhtar, who linked climate issues to the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria.
In addition, the event introduced the concept of adaptive leadership and the innovative use of technology, such as Prosocial AI for Planetary Health, as tools for achieving sustainability. These discussions provided participants with a well-rounded understanding of the intersection between technology and health.
In closing remarks, Prof. Sukri Palutturi, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health at UNHAS, emphasised that the lessons learned should inspire participants to be active custodians of planetary health. He expressed gratitude to all involved, acknowledging the spirit of collaboration that defined the event.
As IB OHSeM 2025 transitions to face-to-face sessions in Sabah, it lays the groundwork for future leaders who are globally competitive and dedicated to sustainability. The event’s collaborative efforts reflect a united stance in addressing planetary health crises through education and action.
Source: International Office of UNHAS
