Windsor Castle, UK – June 13, 2024
A landmark three-day summit took place in Windsor with the launch of two critical initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of the Commonwealth’s 1.6 billion people.
Held at St. George’s House, Windsor Castle, the summit was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Commonwealth Secretariat, Cardiff and Vale UHB’s Dragon’s Heart Institute, the College of Medicine and Integrated Health, the All-Wales Intensive Learning Academy and Swansea University, alongside key partners the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, and the Oxford Value and Stewardship Programme.
Representatives from a number of Commonwealth countries were present at the summit, including delegates from Australia, Cameroon, India, Aotearoa New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago and the UK (including Wales, England, and Northern Ireland).
Forming the Welsh contingent, graduates from the Dragon’s Heart Institute’s Climb and Spread & Scale Academy programmes (that are part of the All Wales Intensive Learning Academies Programme) were selected to attend and contribute to the launch of these initiatives.
Additionally, Kelly McGuffie, Dragon’s Heart Institute Programme Manager, played a pivotal role in bringing this event to fruition, having dedicated a year to its meticulous organisation and delivery.
The concept for the event was started in summer 2023 and since then Kelly has worked alongside Prof. Jonathon Gray to see it to fruition.
This included coordinating a team of international experts to develop the content and agree the direction of the summit, leading on the event logistics, and working to secure the attendance of guests from across the globe.
The summit acted as a platform for the launch of the Commonwealth Young Health Leaders Fellowship and the Commonwealth Leadership Institute (Health). These programs offer leaders a platform to exchange ideas on health, innovation, and forge partnerships to tackle critical health challenges globally.
Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, delivered a powerful keynote address, emphasizing the Commonwealth’s commitment to promoting health and well-being for all member countries, saying:
“Our Commonwealth Young Health Leaders Fellowship which has just been launched is more than just a programme; it is a beacon of hope for our young health leaders, offering them the opportunity to develop their skills, gain invaluable experiences, and drive impactful health initiatives in their communities.
“Our young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the change-makers of today. By investing in their potential, we are ensuring a healthier and more equitable future for all.”
The summit addressed pressing issues facing young people, including access to quality healthcare, the growing burden of mental health conditions and non-communicable diseases, and the detrimental effects of climate change on health.
The Commonwealth Leadership Institute (Health) will serve as a central hub for convening leaders across the Commonwealth, empowering them to address health and well-being challenges within their communities.
Professor Jonathon Gray, one of the founding members of the Dragon’s Heart Institute and now Professor of Innovation and Leadership at Swansea University, commented on the summit’s significance: “The creativity and ambition of young health leaders gathered at Windsor offer a beacon of hope. Nurturing this leadership talent is crucial in overcoming the global health challenges we face.”
Kelly McGuffie, Dragon’s Heart Institute Programme Manager said “I feel we are in a critical point in history. We must get better at maximising our collective resources to match support people all over the world to live healthier lives. This starts with listening, learning and sharing from others. This is why it has been a privilege to be part of the formation of The Commonwealth Leaders’ Institute (Health) and the Commonwealth Young Health Leaders’ Fellowship”.
Suzanne Rankin, Chief Executive of Cardiff and Vale UHB, said, “I am so proud of the work that my colleagues have done to ensure the delivery of this fantastic event. Our Dragon’s Heart Institute team continue to be at the forefront of exciting opportunities for innovation and leadership, and I would like to thank them for their commitment to not only improving the health of our residents here in Cardiff and the Vale, but for taking a leading role is this global initiative. I was honoured to be able to attend the summit at Windsor and felt inspired and motivated to support the Commonwealth Leaders’ Institute (Health) and the Commonwealth Young Health Leaders’ Fellowship by the passion, ambition and commitment of the other delegates from across the Commonwealth.”
