Notícias

On June 17, the Cruise Terminal of the Port of Leixões hosted the 7th edition of the international Connecting Healthcare conference, under the theme “Human Revolution – Healthy Development in the Age of Disruption”. The event brought together over 250 participants, including leaders, experts, and institutional representatives from various countries, who contributed to an inspiring dialogue on global challenges and the transformative role of organizations and individuals in leadership and international cooperation.

Image: Connecting Healthcare

The conference opened with a welcome session featuring a special message from Dr. Tedros Adhanom, Director-General of the World Health Organization, emphasizing the importance of rethinking human development in a time of uncertainty and disruption.

Image: Tedros Adhanom

In the opening keynote, “The World Upside Down”, Professor and former Minister of Defense José Azeredo Lopes presented a provocative and insightful overview of the current geopolitical context, reflecting on value inversions, the fragility of democracies, and Europe’s role in the new global landscape.

Image: “The world upside down”, José Azeredo Lopes

The first panel, “Challenges and Opportunities in the Development of People and Communities”, featured Pedro Góis, Scientific Director of the Migration Observatory; Liliana Sousa, President of the Portuguese Order of Nutritionists; and Rui Pedroto, CEO of the Manuel António da Mota Foundation. Moderated by journalist Fátima Araújo (RTP), the discussion explored themes such as social cohesion, migration, equity, and well-being, highlighting the need for a holistic and connected approach.

Image: Panel “Challenges and opportunities in the development of people and communities”

In the second keynote, “War and Peace: What Can We Expect from the Future?”, Carlos Umaña, physician and co-president of IPPNW (Nobel Peace Prize 1985), offered a humanist perspective on the impacts of war, nuclear risks, and the critical role of diplomacy and education in peacebuilding—reminding all that nuclear weapons should be abolished for good. The session was moderated by Sérgio Almeida, founder of Seal Group.

Image: Carlos Umaña Co-President IPPNW and Sérgio Almeida, founder of Seal Group

After lunch and networking, the conference celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Portugal, marked by a cultural moment from the Zariya Indian Performing Arts group.

Image: Zariya Indian Performing Arts

The final panel, “Strategies for Global Leadership in a Disruptive World”, brought together Puneet R. Kundal, Ambassador of India to Portugal; João Pinto, Dean of Católica Porto Business School; and Marija Pujo Tadić, Special Envoy for Climate Action of the Republic of Croatia. Moderated by Rita Rodrigues (CNN Portugal), the discussion focused on the roles of geopolitical, educational, and environmental leadership in repositioning nations in a rapidly changing world.

Image: Panel “Strategies for global leadership in a disruptive world”

The event concluded with a closing session led by Sérgio Almeida, António Taveira Gomes (President of ULSM), and Carlos Mouta (Vice-President of Matosinhos City Council), emphasizing the importance of putting people at the center of innovation and political decision-making.

The 7th edition of Connecting Healthcare has solidified its position as a reference platform for critical thinking, humanism, and international collaboration in promoting global health and well-being.

Learn more: www.connectinghealthcare.pt