G-STIC seminar in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid during the Belgian Economic Mission to Brazil

G-STIC hosted a groundbreaking seminar on "Technological solutions at the intersection of climate and health" during the Belgian Economic Mission to Brazil. With the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, innovators, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders discussed during this seminar how innovative technologies can mitigate climate-related health risks and drive global sustainability.

Technological solutions at the intersection of climate and health

The seminar provided a platform for Belgium and Brazil to exchange ideas and expertise in technological innovation and sustainable development, further strengthening their collaborative efforts in addressing critical global challenges. Building on insights from the recent G-STIC Conferences in Rio and Delhi, the seminar highlighted successful case studies and integrated solutions that pave actionable pathways toward sustainable development. A range of topics, including smart health systems, renewable energy technologies, and data-driven public health interventions, were presented.

Matthias Diependaele at G-STIC seminar

Opening by Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of Flanders

Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Government of Flanders, opened the seminar by highlighting Belgium and Brazil’s shared commitment to sustainable growth and climate resilience.
 
He also acknowledged Brazil's leadership in environmental initiatives and emphasized the importance of international partnerships in advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Diependaele stressed the need for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and concrete collaborations to tackle climate change and ensure long-term sustainability for both nations.

3 key takeaways from the seminar

The seminar highlighted three critical takeaways that are essential for addressing the intertwined challenges of climate change and public health.

First, it emphasized the need to break silos by integrating health into all climate strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to global issues. Second, innovative solutions like renewable energy, data-driven public health tools, and sustainable agriculture were showcased as vital to mitigating health risks from climate change. Lastly, the importance of global collaboration, particularly between Belgium and Brazil, was stressed to leverage shared expertise and tackle interconnected challenges effectively.
 

Fiocruz at G-STIC seminar
Marie Ikemoto at the G-STIC seminar

Experts unite to explore innovative solutions

Dietrich Van der Weken (G-STIC), Marie Ikemoto (SEAS), and Ismael Nobre (Instituto Amazônia 4.0) set the stage for an insightful dialogue on innovative solutions and cross-border collaboration.

Contributions from leading experts, including Paulo Gadelha (Fiocruz), Chris Van Geet (KU Leuven), Marius Gilbert (Université Libre de Bruxelles), Márcia Chame (Fiocruz), Livia Abdalla (Fiocruz), Philippe Jacques (University of Liège), Maitê Maroñas (Quintais das Margaridas Project), Walter Buydens (Turbulent), and Johan Thevelein (NovelYeast) enriched the discussions, deepening the understanding of how international partnerships can foster sustainable development and resilience.

Innovating together for a resilient future

As climate change intensifies health risks globally, this seminar showcased the power of technological innovation and international collaboration in driving sustainable and equitable solutions. 

By integrating renewable energy, data-driven health tools, and sustainable practices, it highlighted actionable strategies to address these challenges. Belgian and Brazilian stakeholders are at the forefront, transforming visionary ideas into impactful actions. Together, they are creating a blueprint for global partnerships that deliver meaningful, lasting change for a healthier, more sustainable future.

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