GHA Members' Meeting 2025: Resilience, Sustainability and New Paths for Global Health at the DHL Innovation Center

Our annual members' conference took place on December 2nd and 3rd at the DHL Innovation Center in Troisdorf, bringing together members from industry, development cooperation, logistics, and NGOs. The focus was on a common guiding question: How can we make global health more resilient and sustainable in an increasingly volatile environment, while simultaneously diversifying markets and strengthening the German healthcare industry?

Another focus was the Lecture by Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Eimer on the role of the German Armed Forces Medical Service in times of crisisHe made it clear how central medical operational capability and civil-military cooperation have become for stability, rapid response capability and the support of international health structures.

Diversification as a strategic necessity

Right from the start, it became clear that companies need to diversify to remain competitive in times of geopolitical uncertainty and regulatory complexity. Many GHA members emphasized that Diversification – both geographical and structural – and a higher risk appetite Today, these are essential prerequisites for sustainable growth and stable value creation. New markets and new partnerships are becoming strategic building blocks for successfully meeting future challenges.

Global health under pressure to change

Dr. Irmgard Buchkremer-Ratzmann (action medeor), Mario Geißler (Sysmex), and Bernd Lakemeier (GIZ) illustrated how strongly health systems worldwide are influenced by political, economic, and technological changes. In light of numerous crises, they emphasized the growing importance of close cooperation between companies, NGOs, and development cooperation actors to enable effective and sustainable solutions.

Diversification in times of geopolitical upheaval

In times of geopolitical tensions and growing global uncertainties, diversification is becoming a key success factor for the sustainable growth of German companies. Achim Haug of Germany Trade & Invest emphasized that Chinese imports of medical technology have declined noticeably in recent years – with direct repercussions for German suppliers. Companies should therefore increasingly focus on alternative sales markets in South America and the ASEAN region to make their international positioning more resilient.

Innovation and Future Perspectives

The DHL Innovation Center provided the ideal setting to also explore future technological topics. From long-term trends and digitalization to the role of artificial intelligence, one thing became clear: Innovation is a key driver for sustainable and resilient healthcare systems..

Many members took away insights into how technologies can help to better predict, manage and overcome complex global challenges.

The working groups as the heart of the GHA

A key element of the members' meeting was the strategic exchange between the chairs of our working groups the day before. AGs are the beating heart of the GHAThey pool the network's professional expertise, set content priorities, and develop political demands and new approaches.

The exchange impressively demonstrated the importance of the working group structure for the network's future viability. Close coordination makes it possible to set coherent agendas, leverage synergies, and further increase the GHA's impact in politics, business, and international partnerships.

Shared mission for the coming months

The general assembly made it clear that the GHA, together with its members, is well positioned to actively shape the upcoming global challenges. Resilience and sustainability will be central guiding principles of our work in the coming months – as will strengthening our working groups, expanding international partnerships, and supporting our members in accessing new markets.

Thanks to everyone involved

We thank all participants for their commitment, expertise, and the stimulating exchange. Special thanks go to DHL for the hospitality and Bettina Biegert for supporting the organization of the two event days.