Started back in 1989 in Frankfurt, at the first-ever European
ministerial conference on environment and health, the process to address the
most significant environmental threats to human health is bringing us now to
the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Environment and Health. These conferences
are unique, as they bring together different sectors and stakeholders to shape
European policies and actions on environment and health. Governments from the
53 WHO European Member States will gather in Parma, Italy, on 10-12 March to
review progress achieved and to identify the priorities for years to come.
The health of over 890 million citizens of the WHO European
Region is increasingly at risk from a changing environment. Socioeconomic and
gender inequalities (made more severe by the effects of the recent financial
crisis), climate change, potential gains from investments in environment and
health and the renewed commitment of countries to protect children’s health are
among the main topics to be discussed in Parma. More than ever, it is important
to agree a new way forward to work together and across sectors on tackling
environmental hazards to health.
The European Commission is and has always been a close partner of WHO/Europe in
the environment and health process. Numerous synergies exist and are being
further enhanced between WHO/Europe and the EC. Since the Fourth Ministerial
Conference (2004), the EC has provided steady support to the process. EC is
also a permanent member of the European Environment and Health Committee – a
unique coalition of representatives from health and environment ministries,
intergovernmental and civil-society organizations. The Committee oversees
coordination and follow-up of the outcomes of the environment and health
process. The EC has also been involved in the preparatory process for the Parma
Conference and has significantly contributed to shaping its main outcomes.
The two partner organizations join forces in a wide range of
environment and health areas to support their 27 common EU–WHO Member States,
as well as the EEA/EFTA countries. This cooperation has resulted in exemplary
coherence and complementarity between the respective EC and WHO policies and
initiatives. It is also extremely rich, as it encompasses normative work,
mutually beneficial support in policy making and joint efforts to build
national capacities. It is also forward looking, extending to the EU candidate
and neighbouring countries, ultimately benefiting all 53 countries of the WHO
European Region.
This partnership is indispensible for the success of
WHO/Europe’s work on environment and health. The Conference will provide an
excellent opportunity to see it in action.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Parma!
