23. 12. 2024
From November 21–22, 2025, UNIGE hosted a Flagship 1 meeting on “Migration and Health,” marking the alliance’s first collaboration with WHO and preparing for the World Health Assembly in May 2025.
From November 21–22, 2025, the University of Geneva hosted an onsite meeting for Flagship 1 members under the theme of “Migration and Health.” The event was organized by Prof. Eric Comte, director of the Geneva Health Forum, and welcomed participants including Elena Del Giorgio, the ad-interim general secretary of 4EU+.
This pivotal meeting brought together representatives from international organizations such as the Lancet Migration, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Through collaborative discussions, attendees proposed actionable projects that were positively received by the WHO. As a result, a follow-up meeting is scheduled during the World Health Assembly in May 2025, preceded by a preparatory session in February 2025.
The two-day programme featured insightful presentations and discussions, beginning with an overview of global collaboration to advance migration health by Prof. Karl Blanchet (Lancet Migration) and showcasing related initiatives within 4EU+ universities. Participants engaged in strategic planning for the WHO meeting and explored opportunities for collaboration with the Lancet Commision on Migration and Health. Day two included presentations by WHO representatives on migration health, training, and research initiatives, followed by discussions on potential partnerships and the development of an action plan for Flagship 1 projects. A cultural exchange dinner at Cuisine Lab Restaurant, a training refugee restaurant, added a meaningful dimension to the event.
Initiated thanks to the mini-grants that foster collaboration within Flagship 1, the event was held under the 4EU+ OneCore Framework, which aims to address global societal challenges through interdisciplinary research across member universities. In line with the alliance's Global Outreach Strategy 2025–2035, the meeting highlighted efforts to build stronger ties between academic institutions and international organizations, amplifying the global impact of academic research and initiatives.