One Health global policies and declarations
The global community has increasingly recognized the importance of the One Health approach – that links human, animal, and environmental health to address complex, interconnected challenges, like zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.
Political declarations from international bodies reflect this shift, acknowledging that protecting public health requires a holistic view that transcends traditional sectoral boundaries. These declarations underscore the need for cross-sectoral collaboration, recognizing that safeguarding human health is intrinsically linked to the well-being of animals and ecosystems. Below is a list of key global political declarations that highlight the importance of One Health.
In many of these declarations, the Quadripartite collaboration between FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH played a pivotal role, driving coordinated global action to implement the One Health approach.
November 2024
G20 Health Summit Brazil
At the 2024 G20 Brazil Health Summit, two declarations - the Rio de Janeiro Declaration of the G20 Health Ministers and a G20 Health Ministerial Declaration on Climate Change, Health, and Equity and One Health - were endorsed, representing significant progress toward the global integration of a One Health approach. Both declarations aim to confront pressing health challenges through a holistic framework that bridges human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health. These declarations urge a comprehensive adoption of One Health strategies to combat complex global health threats, especially those amplified by climate change. Both declarations provide a blueprint for global leaders to tackle intertwined challenges and work towards a healthier, more sustainable future.
October 2024
G7 Health Ministers’ Communiqué
The G7 Health Ministers’ Communiqué emphasizes the importance of the One Health approach in addressing complex global health challenges, particularly antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and pandemic preparedness, all of which are intensified by the impacts of climate change. It highlights the need for a holistic view that integrates human, animal, and environmental health sectors. This collaborative approach, endorsed by the G7, is essential for reducing the misuse of antimicrobials in agriculture, improving global health systems, and strengthening policies that ensure sustainability across health and agrifood sectors. It also calls for continued support to the Pandemic Fund, including expanding the donor base, with support from new sovereign donors, philanthropies and the private sector. It supports the work of the Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO, WOAH), to prevent, prepare and respond to future health emergencies and to promote health through the One Health Approach and the implementation of the One Health Joint Plan of Action. It also commends the work of the One Health High Level Expert Panel to make recommendations to implement effectively the One Health approach.
September 2023
G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration
The G20 is a group of the world's 20 major economies, including both industrialized nations and developing countries. It focuses on global economic cooperation and financial stability. These countries represent around 80 percent of global economic output and two-thirds of the world's population.
India and Indonesia, during their respective G20 presidencies, elevated the position of One Health, underscoring its importance in uniting global health and sustainability. In September 2023, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration highlighted a global commitment to strengthen health systems and preparedness, with a key focus on the One Health approach.
October 2023
G7 shared understanding on One Health approach
The G7 acknowledges the importance of a One Health Approach to address global health security threats. The G7 Shared Understanding on One Health Approach outlines six action tracks that countries can take to implement a One Health approach. These include:
- Strengthening One Health capacities to strengthen health systems
- Reducing the risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics and pandemics
- Controlling and eliminating endemic zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases
- Strengthening the assessment, management and communication of food safety risks
- Curbing the silent pandemic of AMR
- Integrating the environment into One Health
The document also includes examples of actions that G7 members are taking to implement these action tracks. Overall, it is a call to action for countries to work together to improve global health security through a One Health approach.
September 2023
UNGA 78: Political Declaration of the United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
The UNGA political declaration in September 2023 aimed to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response (PPPR). The declaration recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and acknowledges the need for a coordinated approach across sectors to address health threats. The declaration highlights the importance of strengthening surveillance systems for zoonotic diseases, which can jump from animals to humans. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for financing mechanisms that support One Health initiatives, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By acknowledging the interdependency of animal, human, and environmental health, this declaration lays the groundwork for a more holistic approach to preventing future pandemics.
May 2023
ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on One Health Initiative
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional organization of ten Southeast Asian countries working together on economic, political, and social issues. Established in 1967, ASEAN promotes cooperation to ensure stability and prosperity in the region. ASEAN member states recognize the growing importance of the One Health approach in tackling health threats within the region. The ASEAN Leaders' Declaration on One Health Initiative, adopted in May 2023, highlights this commitment. This declaration emphasizes collaboration and coordination across sectors – human health, animal health, and plant health – as well as with environmental agencies. It acknowledges the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, non-governmental organizations, and international partners.
Find out more
Quadripartite collaboration
The Quadripartite agencies (FAO, WHO, UNEP and WOAH) develop and implement multi-sectoral and interdisciplinary approaches to complex health challenges at the animal-human-plant-environment interface.
One Health Joint Plan of Action and guidance
The plan of action guides the four organizations of the Quadripartite collaboration (FAO, UNEP, WHO, WOAH) to work together on One Health.
Investing in One Health
One Health is a holistic approach to health that requires everyone to work together, including governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector.