Innovation for Human Well-Being and Security: Perspectives From the Next Generation of Global Health Leaders

Abstract

The world has entered a new era of development, guided by a set of aspirational global goals encapsulated in the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Central to achieving this universal agenda is the imperative for transformative change and innovation in addressing the myriad of challenges facing the global community in achieving sustainable and equitable human development. Such was the topic of the 2nd Raffles Dialogue held from September 4-7, 2017 in Singapore that gathered global opinion leaders to discuss the critical role of innovation for human well-being and security in 2030, and to elevate policy recommendations for achieving these goals. This year, the Raffles Dialogue provided a unique and novel platform for the younger generation to participate in the overall discourse through its very own Raffles Fellowship. As hopeful and committed leaders in the future of global health, this first cohort of Raffles Fellows contributed a set of key reflections on the Dialogue’s theme summarised in this commentary.