From February 18–20, Julia Bishop, Director of Global Engagement for the AMR Policy Accelerator, joined global experts in Sydney for a three-day high level summit focused on advancing action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders from across global regions and sectors and was hosted by CSIRO and the Fleming Initiative.
“Participating in the AMR Summit was an opportunity to learn from colleagues working on AMR in a region that – being in based in Canada – we don’t have a chance to engage with as often. Understanding where our priorities align, and also where differences exist, provided important insight into where we can most effectively collaborate to advance our mutual aim of sustainable antimicrobial use for all.” –Julia Bishop, Director of Global Engagement for the AMR Policy Accelerator
Throughout the conference, participants emphasized that an effective AMR response must account for the complex realities different countries face. Rather than exclusively focusing on statistics, speakers highlighted the importance of personal stories and experiences. Each day began with One Health narratives that underscored the intersections among the human, animal, and environmental dimensions of AMR, grounding policy conversations and the lived realities of communities worldwide.
Other recurrent themes during the conversation included the critical role of communication and trust when engaging with the public, empowering communities, and extending outreach beyond traditional audiences. Collaboration was also named essential to enhance progress by amplifying impact and efforts across various locations and institutions to minimize duplication of resources.
Finally, the accomplishments and impact of an inaugural cohort of women trailblazers in the AMR field were celebrated, which reinforced the importance of diverse leadership in global health. Among those recognized was Evelyn Wesangula, a member of the AMR Policy Accelerator’s Advisory Board.
Engagement in these global discussions helps ensure that research and policy communities remain connected as they work toward coordinated and effective responses to AMR.
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