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Virtual Summit Unites Global Health and Sustainability Leaders to Launch NYC Health Innovation Week

April 30, 2025

Global Health & Purpose Summit 2025 Spotlights Bold Ideas at the Intersection of Human and Planetary Sustainability

New York, NY — In a bold move to unite innovation, purpose, and sustainability, FINN Partners, in collaboration with HITLAB, the Galien Foundation, and 1BusinessWorld, will present the Global Health & Purpose Summit 2025 on Monday, May 5, 2025. This high-impact virtual event convenes business, NGO, and policy leaders alongside pioneering health and environmental innovators to kick off the HITLAB-organized New York City Health Innovation Week (NYCHIW).

Under this year’s theme, “People and Planet United,” the pre-conference Summit showcases how purpose-driven leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and breakthrough solutions can advance both human health and planetary sustainability.

“Innovations in health cannot be siloed from the environmental realities impacting well-being globally,” added Stan Kachnowski, PhD, MPA, Founder of HITLAB. “At this Summit and throughout New York City Health Innovation Week, we spotlight breakthroughs that extend life and enhance the planet that sustains it.”

Participants will engage in a full day of dynamic virtual programming designed to accelerate ideas and inspire action. Sessions will feature thought leaders exploring the critical connections between human health and planetary stewardship, including:

Keith Kerman, Chief Fleet Officer, Deputy Commissioner, NYC Citywide Administrative Services
Rachel Hodgdon, President & CEO, International WELL Building Institute
Rehan Khan, Managing Director, India, MSD
Kelvin Sanborn, Head of ESG, GE HealthCare
Rachel Shelly, Global Head, Life Sciences & Food, IDA Ireland
Sweta Chakraborty, CEO, North America, We Don’t Have Time
Yahya El Mir, CEO, Ziwig Biotech
William Taranto, President, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund
Naval Daver, Director of Leukemia Research Alliance Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center
Eyal Harel, CEO, BlueGreen Water Technologies
Elizabeth Hansen, MD, PhD, UW Medicine & Seattle Children’s Hospital
Jacques Marescaux, Founder and President, IRCAD
Amy Terpeluk, managing partner, Global Purpose and Social Impact Lead, FINN Partners
Julien de Salaberry, Founder and CEO, Galen Growth

(Full speaker list available here.)

The Summit will open with remarks by William Taranto, President, Merck Global Health Innovation Fund, and feature insights from leaders across sectors driving impact at the nexus of innovation, environment, and health equity.

As part of the broader NYC Health Innovation Week, the Global Health & Purpose Summit emphasizes the importance of dialogue, discovery, and concrete action to address the intertwined challenges of climate change, innovation gaps, and public health resilience.

“People and planet health are not separate conversations — they are one unified dialogue,” said Gil Bashe, Chair Global Health and Purpose at FINN Partners. “This Summit creates a platform for those leading the charge, bridging innovation, compassion, and collaboration to build a future where every life thrives in balance with nature.”

Following the day of virtual programming, FINN Partners and HITLAB will co-host a networking reception in New York City. This event will allow attendees to deepen connections and accelerate solutions that improve lives worldwide.

Reserve Your Spot:
Register for the Global Health & Purpose Summit 2025