ASLI was invited by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) to participate in the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) for the formulation of the National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP), focusing on the aspect of Governance.

ASM and the Ministry of Sciences, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) have been mandated by the National Science Council (NSC) to develop an integrated NPHAP, to align planetary health with national policies.

ASLI shared our views that governance is fundamental to successful planetary health strategies. We emphasised the need for a holistic approach, incorporating environmental, social, and economic factors into decision-making. Good governance and geopolitical awareness were identified as crucial for sustainable development.

We highlighted the urgent need for institutional reforms and enhanced accountability to ensure good governance, thereby securing the well-being of the community. The discussions also ventured into the realm of geopolitics, acknowledging the forthcoming chairmanship of Malaysia in ASEAN as a pivotal opportunity to advance planetary health initiatives regionally, and the necessity of adopting a rights-based, values-driven approach to governance to strengthen the legitimacy and impact of our efforts.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) for providing us with the opportunity to contribute to such a vital conversation. We are looking forward to the National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP)!

We would like to take this opportunity to invite interested parties to join us at the 2024 Planetary Health Summit from 16 April to 19 April to dive deeper into the impact of Planetary Health. Register now at https://www.pham2024.com