Hospital leaders drive sustainable healthcare at the 45th World Hospital Congress

(Dubai, UAE) - The 45th World Hospital Congress (9-11 November, 2022) concluded in Dubai (UAE) with a ceremony to hand over hosting duties for the 46th World Hospital Congress to Lisbon (Portugal) in 2023.

This was the second time Dubai was selected to host the World Hospital Congress – the premier event for global leaders and decision-makers in the healthcare community. It took place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DWTC) under the esteemed Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.

Over three days, more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries and territories gathered in Dubai for plenary and thematic sessions, networking, workshops, poster presentations and industry exhibitions. Co-hosted by the IHF and Dubai Health Authority, the theme for this 45th World Hospital Congress was “Global Learnings, Local Actions: Sustainable Healthcare”.

On the last day of the congress, the final plenary session was hosted by Sonia Roschnik of the Geneva Sustainability Centre, with the topic: “Net zero in healthcare: how is it possible?” The emphasis on sustainable healthcare echoed the decision of the IHF’s General Assembly to approve the IHF Statement on Sustainability, announced on the opening day of the congress.

H.E. Amb. Dr Abdul Salam Al Madani, Roving Ambassador for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean for the GCC, Chairman of INDEX Holding and IHF Special Adviser to the Middle East Region stated:

“This year’s edition is a testament of our keenness to provide a valuable opportunity to share experiences and knowledge among those interested in the sector. During the course of three days, the conference provided participants and attendees from all over the world a chance to connect and build bridges of cooperation in addition to exchanging information and experiences, as we all share one goal in the end, which is to provide high-quality healthcare to patients and create a safe environment for the establishment of medical care services."

On Thursday 10 November, the winners in each of seven prestigious categories of the IHF Awards 2022 were announced at a spectacular Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner.

As the 45th World Hospital Congress concluded, Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, Regional Director of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, gave a video address:
 
“Adversity begets innovation and innovation builds resilience… Resilient hospitals maintain their functions amid crisis while leaving no one behind. As a result, they improve access and coverage, reduce vulnerabilities and address inequalities.”

With motivating words to close the ceremony, IHF President Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, summarized the importance of the annual gathering:

“It has been my pleasure to be with you at this 45th World Hospital Congress here in Dubai. The incredible line-up of learning we’ve enjoyed has given us new perspectives we can carry with us into our everyday work. The depth of collective expertise on display at this forum has been truly remarkable. Not only can that expertise guide us as we work to address the challenges we face today, it can help us do so tomorrow as well.

We arrived here as individuals, but we leave here with the expertise of a community to help us attain our shared goal … to provide safe and equitable care to all.”

Finally, DHA Director General H.E. Awadh Al Ketbi handed over organizing responsibilities ceremonially to H.E. Fernando Figueirinhas, Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal to the UAE, alongside representatives of the Portuguese Consortium, the hosts of the next Congress. Joining them on stage were Prof. Margarida Eiras from the Portuguese Association for Hospital Development, Óscar Gaspar from the Portuguese Association of Private Hospitals, and Dr Xavier Barreto from the Portuguese Association of Hospital Administrators. The 46th World Hospital Congress will take place in Lisbon from 25 to 27 October 2023.

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