Dear friends and colleagues,
September has been a milestone month for the Digital Health Literacy & Policy Hub, one that deepened global conversations on the future of public health, the role of genomics, and the urgent need to place mental health at the center of international commitments. We are delighted to share highlights of our recent work, events, and representation on the world stage.
Bio³ Forum: Genomics, Health Literacy & Public Health
At the Bio³ Forum, held in Athens, Greece, the Hub hosted on September 18th, a high-level panel exploring how genomics and health literacy intersect with public health priorities. The discussion brought together voices from science, policy, and civil society, focusing on:
- How genomic innovations can strengthen prevention and population health;
- Why health literacy is essential for communities to understand, trust, and benefit from new genomic tools;
- The importance of embedding scientific advances within systems that promote equity rather than widen existing gaps.
The panel reaffirmed the Hub’s mission to make complex science accessible and actionable ensuring that knowledge empowers, rather than excludes, communities.
Representing the Hub at UNGA80
We were proud to represent the Hub during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, contributing to side events on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health.
This year’s Assembly marked a historic milestone for global health:
- For the first time, mental health was integrated into the Political Declaration on NCDs;
- The Declaration called for community-based, person-centered care, moving away from institutional models;
- It emphasized youth engagement, equity, and social determinants as essential to sustainable progress;
- It also elevated childhood cancer as part of the NCD agenda, giving it visibility at the highest political level.
These commitments mark a turning point. The challenge ahead lies in ensuring that they translate from words into tangible action.
Geneva UN HQs: Youth Advocacy
In Geneva, the Hub joined youth advocacy events at the United Nations, where young leaders spotlighted mental health, digital wellbeing, and the right to science. The Hub played a bridging role — connecting youth perspectives with global policy dialogues and ensuring that their insights inform real decisions in health governance.
This engagement reflects one of our core values: that young voices are not just participants in the conversation, but co-creators of a healthier and more inclusive future.
Looking Ahead
As we look toward the months ahead, the Hub remains steadfast in its mission to:
- Promote health literacy in genomics, digital wellbeing, and mental health;
- Support youth leadership and cross-regional collaboration;
- Translate global commitments into practice through evidence, tools, and partnerships.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners, experts , advisors and advocates for their continued collaboration and trust. Together, we can ensure that the next era of science and policy is rooted in equity, dignity, and lived experience.
Warmly,
Dr. Olga Tzortzatou-Nanopoulou
CEO & Co-Founder Digital Health Literacy & Policy Hub Foundation
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