Global Health & Solidarity
„Many groups have so far been insufficiently represented in global health and justice matters. In order to create justice, we have to give everyone a seat at the table.” Eva Croon, Track Sherpa
As a primary field of action, Track 4 | Global Health and Solidarity highlighted improving women’s health and gendered support infrastructure. With reference to Sustainable Development Goal 5, dedicated to achieving gender equality, their recommendations underscored the urgency to counter and prevent all manifestations of gender- based violence, to strengthen support structures for victims and children affected and to address the gender health gap. Further, Track 4 called for a guarantee of sexual and reproductive health, rights, and care. Against the backdrop of converging crises of the global pandemic, climate change, escalating and persisting conflicts as well as economic conse- quences thereof, food insecurity and access to sustainable food assistance programs were addressed as a priority. In their calls to G7 Leaders, Track 4 pointed out possible courses of action, ranging from waiving food export restriction and speculation, or relieving global scarcity of staple food by all diplomatic means possible, to stepping up diversification of food production. In view to preventable and emerging diseases, a One Health approach must be followed, considering all aspects of human, animal and environmental health.
Track 4 concludes with an outlook on future devel- opments, innovations and digital health solutions as well as sustained global partnerships and cooperation . Through increases in non-earmarked funding to the World Health Organisation, the G7 must strengthen long-term programmes and mech- anisms established and may further develop their country-specific global health diplomacy, together with consistent and diverse youth representa- tion. Lastly, Delegates addressed mental health in young people , growing from particular crises, including climate anxiety and the negative effects of the ongoing Covid19 pandemic. Their call to action covered universal, accessible, effective and affordable services, expanded training for profes- sionals of the field as well as public awareness campaigns and mental health education.
In autumn 2022, Track Sherpa Franka Weckner participated in a high-level conference hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on “Femi- nist Development Policy – Transforming International Cooperation”. Under the leadership of Federal Minister Svenja Schulze, the conference invited high-ranking officials and represen- tatives, leading scholars and researchers and practitioners from civil society and NGOs to exchange perspectives on important features of a feminist approach to development coop- eration and a gender-just future. Building upon the strong feminist motifs in Track 4’s recom- mendations and the discussions held on global solidarity, Franka highlighted the importance to include marginalised groups in a more holistic policy approach. “We are excited to see a feminist agenda in development policy. Any effort to create more inclusive approaches must include young people - in particular the youth of the Global South. Young women in particular are drivers for change and a just world. We urgently need co-creation, co-ownership and co leadership – at the negotiation table and in international development policy. Further, the SDG’s set a clear frame of reference for Youth7’s policy recommendations. Feminist development policy is an indispensable strategic advance towards implementing the Agenda 2030 and human rights.” Franka Weckner, Track Sherpa
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