The Johns Hopkins University Institute for Planetary Health (JHIPH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish a Collaborating Centre on Planetary Health.

Global environmental change, including the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, poses an urgent threat to human security and humanity at large. It also drives health inequities, with the most drastic impacts felt in low- and middle-income countries. Planetary health is a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and movement that aims to safeguard a livable future for humanity and the rest of life on Earth by protecting and regenerating Earth’s natural life support systems.

Through this Collaborating Centre, the Johns Hopkins University Institute for Planetary Health and its partner network, the Planetary Health Alliance, active in over 80 countries, will connect cutting-edge research and advocacy with the work of UNDP’s network of country offices around the world to grow this innovative work. The partnership will focus on leveraging Planetary Health insights and expertise to advance sustainable development, including health and well-being, democratic governance, and climate and disaster resilience.

Through combining the latest research and science with grassroots outreach and tactical advocacy – including around the Sustainable Development Goals acceleration, the UN Secretary-General’s Common Agenda, Summit of the Future and the post-2030 Agenda – the initiative will connect and amplify Planetary Health approaches to deliver for the health of people and planet.

In 170 countries and territories, UNDP works with countries and communities to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience for sustainable development. The Collaborating Centre builds on UNDP’s long-standing engagement in Planetary Health. A healthy planet is one of the priorities in UNDP’s current Strategic Plan, and UNDP’s climate, environment and health portfolios all contribute to advancing the health of people and planet.