ONE HEALTH: Genomics for Global Health

Genomics has emerged as a cornerstone of modern health science, offering powerful insights into disease dynamics across humans, animals, and ecosystems. As health threats become increasingly complex and interconnected, a One Health approach—rooted in genomics—is critical to building resilient, inclusive, and future-ready health systems.

This plenary at the Science Summit at UNGA80 will explore how genomics can serve as both a scientific and policy lever for accelerating health innovation and achieving the SDGs. It will highlight global leadership and emerging genomic ecosystems across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond, showcasing efforts to integrate genomics into universal health coverage, antimicrobial resistance response, and climate-health strategies.

As the world gathers for the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) and begins charting the course for the post-2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the imperative to align science and innovation with our most urgent and interconnected challenges has never been more critical. A One Health approach — recognising the inextricable links between human, animal, and environmental health — must underpin global efforts to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.

Among the most transformative scientific frontiers emerging within the One Health paradigm is genomics. By unlocking the genetic foundations of disease and adaptation across species, genomics offers ground breaking opportunities to enhance human health, improve surveillance of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, support pandemic preparedness, and build climate resilient health systems. From cancer and antimicrobial resistance to emerging infectious diseases and foodborne pathogens, genomics enables precision responses that transcend disciplinary and geographic boundaries.

Yet the benefits of genomics remain disproportionately distributed. Many populations in low- and middle-income countries, especially those across Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Pacific, are underrepresented in genomic research. This limits the scope of scientific discovery and constrains the development of inclusive innovations that reflect the diversity of global health needs. Advancing One Health genomics is therefore not only a scientific priority but a global equity imperative.

The UN Pact for the Future calls for renewed commitments to equity, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive multilateralism. Genomics, as a cross-cutting enabler of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), embodies the potential of integrated science to drive progress on pandemic preparedness, universal health coverage, biodiversity protection, and planetary health. Strategic investments in genomic research, capacity building, and data equity can create health solutions that benefit both high-resource and resource-constrained settings alike.

In his January 15, 2025 address to the General Assembly, UN Secretary-General António Guterres celebrated important health milestones, such as declines in child mortality and major infectious diseases. Yet, he also warned of persistent inequalities and called for renewed urgency to address poverty, food insecurity, climate vulnerability, and global health disparities. A One Health-oriented genomics agenda offers powerful tools to meet these challenges—by fostering inclusive innovation and reinforcing the shared resilience of people, animals, and ecosystems. As part of the Science Summit at UNGA80, the high-level plenary session “Genomics for Global Health” will convene scientists, policymakers, funders, youth leaders, and development partners to explore how integrated genomics and One Health approaches can accelerate health innovation and resilience across all regions. By embracing this holistic vision, we can co-create a healthier, more inclusive, and future-ready world.