Navigating Public Health in Times of Global Uncertainties
The Robert Koch Colloquium (RKC) 2026 addresses an urgent challenge of today’s public health landscape: how to adapt to global uncertainties and political fragmentation. Armed conflicts, political and economic instability, climate-related pressures, and fluctuating public trust increasingly shape the contexts in which public health systems operate, challenging established modes-of-action and international cooperation. In response to these dynamics, the RKC 2026 brings together leading international experts to reflect on how public health can respond and evolve under conditions of crisis and transformation.
Over two days, the programme will examine public health action in times of crisis. We will explore 1) the health impacts of armed conflict on population health including mental health and non-communicable diseases. 2) widening inequalities in times of global polycrisis. 3) the need for a resilient global health architecture during geopolitical shifts in power and interests. The colloquium will also shed light on advancing health data justice and the development of resilient cross-border data-sharing frameworks that can withstand political and financial pressures. Particular attention will be paid to the current challenge of building and sustaining trust in evidence-based public health science in times of widespread misinformation.
The colloquium will conclude with a panel discussion titled “Rethinking Global Public Health: From Crisis Response to Long-term Sustainability”, synthesizing key insights and outlining visions towards a more resilient and equitable public health future.
By combining scientific perspectives with policy-oriented insights, the RKC 2026 aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue across sectors and governance levels.
