The Global Society on Migration, Ethnicity, Race and Health (GSMERH)

In May 2018, the First World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race and Health was held in Edinburgh, Scotland.  This landmark event attracted over 700 participants from 50 countries, bringing together diverse disciplines across the globe to foster unity and exchange ideas through integrated dialogue on issues related to migration, ethnicity, race, indigenous, and Roma populations. A recommendation of the Edinburgh Declaration was to establish a Global Society on Migration, Ethnicity, Race and Health (GSMERH). GSMERH serves as both a physical and virtual meeting point for member organizations and representatives dedicated to protecting and improving the health of all individuals, regardless of ethnic background or place of origin. The main aim of GSMERH is to provide opportunities to exchange information, disseminate research, enhance understanding, and promote beneficial change in these complex and interrelated fields.

2^nd World Conference on Migration Ethnicity, Race and Health, GSMERH 2025

Building on the success of the inaugural congress, GSMERH will host its 2nd World Conference in Lisbon from 2nd to 5th September 2025. The core idea of the Global Society is to foster constructive interaction among participants in this complex field worldwide. One of the key objectives is to plan, organize, and implement a World Congress every four years, and other smaller events at more frequent intervals. Hence, the 2^nd world conference in 2025 will continue to maintain an active global network of individuals who share our values and objectives.

Conference Theme

The theme for the 2025 conference, “Migration as a Driver of a Healthy, Racism-Free, Multi-Ethnic World,” emphasizes the positive impact of migration in creating healthier, more inclusive societies. This theme reflects the vital role of migration in enhancing population health and fostering diversity in both societal and workplace settings. It aims to highlight the constructive contributions of migrants and promote a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of health, migration, and racial equity.

The subtitle, “A Call to Action to Close the Equity Gap in Health” highlights the urgency of addressing health disparities and achieving health equity for all, irrespective of ethnic background or migration status. The conference will explore strategies to bridge the health equity gap and promote inclusive policies that ensure equal access to healthcare services for migrants and ethnic minorities.

The discussions will focus on several sub-themes, including:

• Climate Change and Health: Examining the impact of climate change on migration patterns and health outcomes.
• Conflict and Peacebuilding: Shifting the focus from conflict to promoting peace and solidarity, and addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflicts.
• Emergency Preparedness: Learning from the experiences of migrants during public health emergencies like COVID-19 and improving preparedness for future crises.
• Equity and Decolonization: Addressing systemic racism and promoting decolonization in global health practices to ensure equitable health outcomes for all.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Highlighting the importance of inclusivity and diversity in health policies and practices to foster a more equitable society.

By focusing on these critical themes, the 2nd World Conference on Migration, Ethnicity, Race, and Health aims to advance the global conversation on migration and health, fostering a collaborative approach to achieving a healthier, racism-free, multi-ethnic world.

We look forward to welcoming you to Lisbon!

Prof. Bernadette N. Kumar
Conference Chair