President’s bulletin: Environmental Health in a connected world

As 2025 comes to an end, and as people everywhere take time to pause, connect and show kindness, I’m reminded how deeply environmental health links us all. 

Our work is rooted in relationships, between people and place, health and environment, local action and global impact.

That’s why CIEH’s long-standing role in the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) matters so much. The big challenges we face, climate change, housing, food safety, community wellbeing, environmental protection and public health are shared across the world. None can be tackled alone.

CIEH was a founding member of IFEH, and our motto - Amicus Humani Generis - Friend of the Human Race - captures this spirit. We were delighted to welcome IFEH President, Dr Bruno Cvetkovic to our CIEH Wales Conference in October, where he gave a keynote speech.

Why these connections matter

International partnership brings real benefits: shared learning, new ideas, better practice, and a stronger voice with governments and global bodies. It reminds us that whether you work in Cardiff or Chicago, Kigali or Copenhagen, you belong to a global community striving for healthier lives and safer environments.

And this cooperation is practical. When we exchange ideas on clean water, safe housing, climate adaptation or food hygiene, we help improve everyday life for communities everywhere.

Looking forward

As President, I’m keen to strengthen these international ties. What can CIEH offer the global community? What can we learn from others? In a world shaped by climate change, new technologies and widening inequalities, our global connections will only become more important.

Environmental public health is both local and global, as close as the café on your high street, and as wide-reaching as the climate talks shaping our future. Our profession sits right at that crossroads.

A shared future

The challenges ahead are significant, but so is our collective potential. By working together internationally, we can ensure our impact is greater than anything we could achieve alone.

Professional members of CIEH will continue to play a full and active part within the IFEH and the wider global environmental public health community.

I wish everyone, wherever you are, a peaceful and hopeful time of year.