Dear Rectors, Deans, Vice Deans of the Faculty of Public Health from GMS Countries, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my great pleasure and privilege to host the 14th International Conference on Public Health among the Greater Mekong Sub-Regional Countries in Luangprabang City, July 27-29, 2024 at the Pullman Hotel, Lao PDR. As you know, the GMS Public Health Academic Network aims to achieve a shared vision of achieving the highest possible level of health among our people in the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The Network’s member institutions worked together to enhance regional capacity for addressing major public health challenges through the delivery of education, research, and policy advocacy for health in the region.
The theme of the 14th GMS Public Health Conference, "Meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) through Climate Change Adaptation, Improving Nutrition Promotion, and Health Equity", marks a strong foundation now in place for public health cooperation among GMS countries during the last 14 years, and with active development partners, progress will accelerate. The aim of this conference was to share research results in the field of public health as well as in existing health problems among greater Mekong Sub-Regional countries and to search for feasible solutions to enhance international collaboration among public health faculties in the Mekong Sub-Region and a wider area of Southeast Asian countries on training and research in public health.
I would like to thank the Dean/Vice Deans for the fine arrangements and warm hospitality of the participants of the 14th GMS Conference, especially Prof. Wongsa Laohasiriwong, Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University.
I would like to express my deep appreciation for all the Deans’ long-standing support for the GMS Conference and invite participation by all interested participants. I hope this conference will be successful and productive and will encourage ongoing cooperation between the Deans of the Faculty of Public Health among GMS countries.

Dr. Vanphanom Sychareun
Dean of the Faculty of Public Health, University of Health Sciences, Lao PDR

Dear Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my pleasured and honoured to be a co-host the 14th International Conference on Public Health among Greater Mekong Sub-Regional countries in Luangprabang City, 27-29 June 2024, Lao PDR. I would like to warmly welcome deans, delegates, students, ladies, and gentlemen. Moreover, I would like to welcome all guests who attend this international conference with the main theme "Meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) through Climate Change Adaptation, Improving Nutrition Promotion, and Health Equity".
As we know this conference serves as a platform for researchers, policymakers, and development partners to share research evidence and collaborate on generating new evidence in the field of public health. The aim of this conference was to create an inclusive and dynamic environment for knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and collective learning.
On behalf of Lao Tropical and Public Health (Lao TPHI), I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the Deans and colleagues for their great support for the annual GMS Conference. Hopefully this great support and collaboration will be continued. May I wish this conference a great success and a wonderful day to all!
Dr. Latsamy Siengsounthone
Director General of the Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute

Speech for 14th GMS Conference 2024
Professor Dr. Wongsa Laohasiriwong,
Dean, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Chairperson of the GMS Public Health Academic Network
Rectors, deans, administrators, lecturers, delegates, students, and all participants, ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you today with a profound sense of purpose and urgency as we convene at this significant gathering focused on the public health challenges facing the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries. As the chairperson of the GMS Public Health Academic Network I am deeply honored to address such a distinguished audience comprising scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of our region in the 14th International Public Health Conference among GMS Countries with the theme“Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals through Improved Nutrition, Health Equity, and Climate Change Adaptation.” The Greater Mekong Subregion has a diverse culture, abundant natural resources, and significant economic potential. However, it is also a region dealing with complicated health concerns that necessitate coordinated efforts and novel solutions.
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Public Health Academic Network began in 2008. The Network is dedicated to improving the quality and relevance of educational and training programs in public health in the GMS. The Network is in charge of enhancing collaboration and partnership across the GMS's public health institutions, as well as facilitating collaborative actions among existing networks, policymakers, and researchers interested in health policy and research. The Network also provides a venue for health personnel, academics, and researchers, particularly graduate students and young academic staff from the GMS region, to communicate and exchange scientific and professional expertise in public health from their respective nations.
Beyond the immediate threat of COVID-19, we must also address the broader health determinants that disseminate health inequities and hinder sustainable development in our region which have been stated in SDGs. In this regard, I urge all stakeholders gathered here today to prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and health promotion initiatives that empower individuals and communities to lead healthier lives. We must adopt a 'health in all policies' approach that integrates health considerations into decision-making across sectors, including education, agriculture, transportation, and urban planning.
Furthermore, we must use the power of research, innovation, and technology to drive evidence-based solutions and increase health-care system resilience in the face of new challenges. Collaboration across academics, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the commercial sector is critical for realizing the full potential of scientific advances and turning research discoveries into actual benefits for our communities.
As we map the future of public health in the Greater Mekong Subregion, let us remain guided by the principles of equity, solidarity, and sustainability. Together, we have the collective capacity to overcome the most pressing health challenges of our time and build a healthier, more prosperous future for all. Thank you !!

Dear Esteemed Guests, Esteemed Colleagues, and Distinguished Participants,

On behalf of the Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, I extend a warm welcome to the 14th International Conference on Public Health in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region Countries (ICPH-GMS14) with the main theme, "Meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) through Climate Change Adaptation, Improving Nutrition Promotion, and Health Equity". We are honored to participate in this significant event and are delighted to visit the charming city - Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.
As a founding member of the Greater Mekong Sub-region Public Health Academic Network, our faculty has been actively contributing to the advancement of public health education, research, and collaboration in the region. This annual conference serves as a crucial platform for our network members to work together towards our shared vision.
The conference theme is particularly relevant in the current global context, as we face pressing challenges related to Climate Change, Nutrition, and Health Equity. By bringing together experts, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and young scholars from the Greater Mekong Sub-region and beyond, it is aimed to create an inclusive and dynamic environment for knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and collective learning. In addition to the engaging scientific program, there will be vibrant social activities that foster networking, nurture new collaborations, and strengthen partnerships. These interactions will help us collectively drive positive change in public health.
I would like to express my deep gratitude to the organizing committee, dedicated staff, and countless individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly to make this conference a reality. I also extend my sincere appreciation to all members of the Network, Distinguished Guests, and Participants for your presence in this endeavor. I wish you all enjoy a pleasant stay and create many memorable experiences in this beautiful and peaceful city.

Dr. Dang Thi Anh Thu, MD, MPH, PhD
Dean of Public Health Faculty
Director of Institute for Community Health Research
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Vietnam

Dear Esteemed Friends,

It is my great pleasure to participate in the GMS14 conference. This is a prestigious gathering of brilliant minds in the field of Public Health. I would like to deliver my warm greetings to all my colleagues and friends.

The theme of this year is “supporting sustainable development goal (SDG), through climate change adaptation, improving nutrition promotion and health equity”. We live in an era of thriving technologies accompanied by growing challenges. Public health researchers are responsible for finding the balance among human health, environmental protection and economic growth. To address this issue, we will be engaging in thought-provoking discussions, exchanging ideas and exploring collaborations. I believe this conference will foster a global cross-disciplinary dialogue that can shed light on the challenges we are facing together. At the meantime, I hope that you find inspiration and establish valuable connections during your stay.

I am honored for being a part of this incredible community. I wish you a productive and memorable experience!

Sincerely,

Prof. Dr. Cai Le
Acting Dean
School of Public Health,
Kunming Medical University
Kunming, China

Dear Distinguished Guests

I would like to warmly welcome deans, delegates, students, ladies, and gentlemen to the 14th International Conference in Public Health among GMS countries in Laos. This 14th conference reflects the strong commitment of the School of Public Health network in GMS in the last 14 years and continues to provide a platform for students and young scientists to share their work, to exchange ideas and to establish networks in the field of public health.
As one of the members in the network, the National Institute of Public Health, Cambodia commits to support this event in the future to enrich the exchange of Public Health knowledge among students in the region and around the globe.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organizing committee and all members of the networks, and I would like to wish you all a pleasant stay in Laos.

Chhea, Chhorvann, MD., MPH, PhD
Dean School of Public Health,
National Institute of Public Health, Cambodia

Dear Distinguished Guests

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to the 14th International Conference in Public Health among the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries, hosted in Laos.
This 14th conference provides professionals and scholars in the field of public health with the opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and strengthen our collaborative efforts towards better health outcomes for our region. Moreover, it offers a forum for meaningful partnerships and collaborations that extend beyond borders, disciplines, and sectors.
As the University of Public Health, Myanmar, one of the members of the School of Public Health network in GMS, our university dedicates itself to not only actively participating in this conference but also actively supporting and contributing to the ongoing efforts of this network.

Once again, welcome to the 14th International Public Health Conference among GMS countries in Laos. Together, let us pave the way towards a brighter tomorrow.

Prof. Hla Hla Win
MBBS, M.Med.Sc(P&TM), PhD(Public health) Dip Med.Ed
Rector, University of Public Health, Yangon, Myanmar