AUTHOR=Joshi Ashish , Magana Laura , Tsai Kun-Hsien , Maddah Diana , Mitchell Kerry , Ruggiero Diana , Hawkins W. Bradley , Dharamsi Shafik , Makhoul Jihad , Reis Rodrigo , Kim So Yoon , Low Wah Yun , Amde Woldekidan , Nja Glory , Jeu Michelle , Kelly Bridget , Saliba Bernard , Jha Niharika , Kalediene Ramune , Scarpetti Giada , Kastrup Erica , Surenthirakumaran Rajendra , Kane Catherine , Yotive William , Brown Matthew , Yu Xinhua , Peterson Gretchen , Tsacoyianis Beverly , Ofori Michael Arthur , Levy Marian , Chirwa Stella , Karimi Maryam , Geron Kami , Patel Saloni , Biberman Dorothy , Taylor Michelle , Longuevan Aeryn , Shular Steve , Mackey Tim K. 

TITLE=Public health diplomacy: summary of the methods and outcome of the 1st University of Memphis School of Public Health Diplomacy Summit

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1564709

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1564709

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Public health diplomacy addresses global challenges impacting societies, economies, the environment, and health by integrating foreign policy and development. The University of Memphis School of Public Health hosted a multistakeholder summit to identify strategies and competencies essential for effective public health diplomacy. A 3-day summit included 29 participants from 15 countries, representing the WHO, the World Federation of United Nations, and seven regional public health associations. An iterative human-centered design (HCD) approach and concept mapping were employed to facilitate discussions and generate actionable recommendations. Developed a working definition of Public Health Diplomacy emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaborations, communication, negotiation, and consensus building. Produced a 9-point action plan to establish a global framework, launch capacity-building initiatives, and institutionalize public health diplomacy as a public health discipline.