Anglo American health leaders participate in WEF Annual Health Summit and IOMSC thought leadership meeting

Dr Robina McCann, VP of Health, and Dr Alex Plowright, Head of Community Health and Wellbeing, recently participated in leading global health summits – the WEF Annual Health Summit and the IOMSC Thought Leadership Meeting.

These events provide a platform for our colleagues to share their knowledge and expertise, engage with peers, and collaborate in the discussion of innovative policy recommendations, while strengthening and reinforcing our holistic approach and commitment to health and wellbeing.

World Economic Forum Annual Health Summit

Dr McCann and Dr Plowright represented Anglo American at the Annual Health Summit, hosted by the World Economic Forum on 20 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event brought together global leaders from across sectors to address the mounting pressures on the world’s health systems.

The summit focused on the complex and interconnected challenges facing global health today including the ongoing polycrisis, ageing populations, the surge in non-communicable diseases, and deepening health inequities. These issues are further intensified by climate change and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), underscoring the urgent need for collaborative, cross-sector solutions.

Dr McCann, said: “We engaged in discussions on innovative policy recommendations, the opportunities for using AI for health data insights and shared how Anglo American is contributing to building more resilient and equitable health systems in our workplaces and operating communities. Our participation underscores our continued commitment to global health leadership and to delivering tangible, lasting impact in this new era of intelligent, data-driven healthcare.”

As a neutral convener and catalyst for public, private and philanthropic partnerships, the World Economic Forum provided a unique platform for action-oriented dialogue. The summit explored critical themes such as:

• Reducing health disparities
• Strengthening health systems
• Mitigating global health risks
• Harnessing data-driven innovation and AI for sustainable health outcomes

Global Worker Health Dialogue at IOMSC Thought Leaders Meeting

Dr McCann also represented Anglo American at the International Occupational Medicine Society Collaborative (IOMSC) Thought Leaders Meeting, held on 22 – 23 May 2025 at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

The event brought together global experts and decision-makers to identify and prioritise the most pressing challenges and opportunities in worker health worldwide.

The meeting provided a critical platform for shaping the future of occupational health, with a focus on collaborative strategies to improve health outcomes for workers across industries and geographies. Key themes included:

• Strengthening global standards for occupational health
• Addressing emerging risks in the workplace
• Promoting mental health and well-being
• Integrating health equity into workforce strategies
• Leveraging innovation and data to drive impact

A central theme of the meeting was the transformative role of the workplace as a platform for delivering healthcare and promoting occupational health, safety, and wellbeing. Beyond safeguarding employees, workplace health initiatives are increasingly recognised as powerful vehicles for advancing broader public health goals. By integrating health services, preventive care, and wellness programmes into the work environment, organisations can contribute to early detection of health issues, reduce the burden on public health systems, and foster healthier, more resilient communities.

This approach not only enhances workforce productivity and engagement but also aligns with global efforts to achieve more equitable and sustainable health outcomes. As the world continues to navigate complex health challenges, the workplace stands out as a critical setting for innovation, collaboration, and impact in public health.

Mental health has emerged as a universal priority – transcending industries, geographies, and job roles. The meeting emphasised the need for integrated, proactive approaches to mental wellbeing, highlighting how mental health support must be embedded into workplace culture, leadership practices, and health strategies.

The discussions reinforced the idea that promoting mental health is not only essential for individual wellbeing but also for building resilient, high-performing organisations. By sharing insights and learning from global best practices, Anglo American continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering psychologically safe and supportive work environments across its operations and workplaces.