Ambassador Olivier Brochet: Equitable and sustainable health for all

From April 5 to 7, 2026, France will host the One Health Summit with a clear priority: to identify concrete, sustainable and effective solutions to prevent health, food and environmental risks threatening people and the planet.

This ninth edition of the One Planet Summit is expected to bring together around 50 countries, along with international and regional organizations. Nearly 3,000 participants will discuss major challenges affecting human, animal and environmental health. Strengthening listening and dialogue among policymakers, society and the scientific community will help unite generations around a shared objective: equitable and sustainable health for all

The landmark event will take place in Lyon, regarded as France’s global health hub. For the first time, countries will convene at the highest level to place the “One Health” approach at the core of public policy.

This approach recognizes the interdependence and close links between human, animal, plant and ecosystem health. Acting to protect one dimension of health also safeguards the others. Health, climate, biodiversity, water and food are interconnected—breaking down silos means bringing these elements together.

Alongside policymakers invited by the President of France, participants will include leaders of international and regional organizations, hundreds of scientists, business executives, financial experts, elected officials, youth representatives and civil society actors-stakeholders committed to improving the health of living systems and the planet.

Experts from across sectors will lead sessions highlighting existing tools and defining targets needed to build a healthier, more prosperous future. The impact of the summit is expected to extend well beyond Lyon, a historic city of the Gallo-Roman era.

From March 16 to May 15, a festival will feature nearly 170 events across France and worldwide, including one in Viet Nam co-organized by CIRAD, demonstrating the importance of the One Health approach.

Viet Nam, particularly exposed to the interplay between human, animal and environmental health, has shown strong commitment to this approach. Within the One Health Partnership framework, this momentum is supported by concrete cooperation with French institutions and regional partners.

CIRAD is leading major initiatives such as PREZODE (Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence), contributing to research on emerging diseases and fostering links between science, public policy and society.

The IRD, together with Vietnamese and regional partners, conducts research on antimicrobial resistance, pollutant monitoring and ecosystem health, particularly in the Mekong River basin, and plays a key role in building the scientific framework for One Health in Southeast Asia.

The French Development Agency supports these efforts by financing structural projects in health, environment and sustainable development, helping strengthen surveillance, prevention and response systems for health crises in Viet Nam and the region.

Key themes guiding international discussions include advancing research and training, preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics, reducing zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, improving nutrition, protecting biodiversity, reducing pollution, mitigating climate change impacts and ensuring mental health. These priorities aim to turn shared intentions into coordinated, practical action.

We must never forget: the health of each individual depends on the health of all.

We must act now to prevent risks and respond more effectively. The One Health approach must become our guiding principle - and a natural reflex.