Hosted by H. E. Per Olsson Fridh, Minister for International Development Cooperation of Sweden, and the Coalition to Prevent Pandemics at the Source, featuring Dr Jane Goodall and our Director Dr. Aaron Bernstein.
Our life on this planet depends on a healthy biosphere. Human and ecological health cannot be separated. As we degrade and destroy the ecosystems we inhabit, we undermine not only the planet that is our home – we harm our collective health. The impact of a global pandemic is immeasurable, including on the lives of the poor and vulnerable. Most past pandemics originated from spillover of a virus from an animal to a person, including SARS, HIV, influenzas and almost certainly COVID-19. Negative human impact on ecosystems increases the risk of such zoonotic spillover. This is preventable. Steps to overcome the nature and climate crises will also help prevent the emergence of a new pandemic. This calls for joining forces.
Speakers / Contributors for the event will include the following:
DR. JANE GOODALL, world-leading environmentalist, conservationist, humanitarian and advocate for the ethical treatment of animals.
H. E. PER OLSSON-FRIDH, Minister for International Development Cooperation, Sweden
RT. HON. HELEN CLARK, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Administrator UNDP, co-chair Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
DR. AARON BERNSTEIN, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, lead International Scientific Task Force report on preventing pandemics at the source
DR. YEWANDE ALIMI, Director, Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
DR. CRISTIÁN SAMPER, CEO, Wildlife Conservation Society
MR. CARLOS MANUEL RODRÍGUEZ, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility
Time: 9:00 am ET
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Skye Flanigan [Flanigan@hsph.harvard.edu] in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that the university will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.
