New Report on Expertise to Influence: UK’s Soft Power in Global Health
The UK has long been a dynamic force shaping the future of healthcare worldwide. From pioneering the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to spearheading initiatives through organisations like Gavi and the Global Fund, the UK's impact on global health is profound and far-reaching.
In this report, we delve into how the UK leverages its national assets to project power globally. By prioritising science and technology, nurturing international relationships, and harnessing the expertise of its renowned institutions, the UK's influence in global health is amplified. This report explores the intersection of health, diplomacy, and soft power in the UK's quest to tackle the world's most pressing health challenges.
The UK has long been a dynamic force shaping the future of healthcare worldwide. From pioneering the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to spearheading initiatives through organisations like Gavi and the Global Fund, the UK's impact on global health is profound and far-reaching.
In this report, we delve into how the UK leverages its national assets to project power globally. By prioritising science and technology, nurturing international relationships, and harnessing the expertise of its renowned institutions, the UK's influence in global health is amplified. This report explores the intersection of health, diplomacy, and soft power in the UK's quest to tackle the world's most pressing health challenges.
The Rt Hon Sir Sajid Javid MP has penned the foreword to this report saying:
The UK remains at the forefront of some of the most important advances being made in modern science. This position is crucial to our strength both domestically and overseas today, and with the world we face tomorrow, it will become even more important.
Increased risk of pandemics, the emergence of new technology and changing climate could all be potentially catastrophic. Now more than ever, UK leadership on science and technology is needed.
There is no shortage of resolve in meeting this objective, but often a lack of clarity on the strategy to achieve it. This paper engages in an important discussion about our current success, as well as securing a more resilient future.
The report makes the following recommendations:
- Provide longer-term and predictable funding to the life sciences sector.
- Enhance cross-governmental cohesion on the UK’s science and tech ambitions, and how these will help to deliver UK aid.
- Provide better access to the UK’s science, tech and health expertise using the Government’s convening power.
- Honour commitments to the international community.
- Strengthen international partnerships by expanding the list of global universities available to the high talent visa track.
You can read the full report and see our full conclusions by clicking the link below.
