Unite Global Summit 2026 - Manila

I promised sometime ago that as well as documenting on my Substack what it was like to travel across the globe solo for work, I would also share a synopsis and aftermath of a trip once i'd made it home. I've compiled it mostly in the form of a video (below) - I blame a combination of a Canva subscription and jet lag for inspiring me to make it. Lewis lost interest after a few minutes... (It's long at 6 minutes, but count yourself lucky you aren't getting the original 20 minutes).

So, last week I had the distinct honour of hosting the Unite Parliamentarians for Global Health - Unite Global Summit 2026. This had been scheduled to take place in March but Trump, Israel and Iran conspired to set global airspace on a destabilising trajectory and the summit was swiftly rescheduled for August. In Manila, The Philippines!

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/7f92e3_47a65f58caab429188eb22b7c3a904e1/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Saturday the 1st August I set off from Heathrow, had a pit stop in Hong Kong, and finally made it to Manila on the Sunday afternoon. I sadly had no time to see ANY of Manila as my hotel was a short walkway from the airport and the summit venue was across the road.

But, this trip was always about the substance of the work rather than the location -- the conversations to be had between parliamentarians, policymakers, civil society, multilateral institutions and the private sector. And boy did we pack it all in!

I'm always incredibly conscious of the privilege I have of parachuting into different worlds, hosting intense but vital conversations and then parachuting off again. Granted, I've been operating in the Global Health space for many years now (and I was so grateful to reconnect with old friends!) but the context, the demands, the geopolitical backdrop are ever-changing so there is always something new to learn.

I have to admit the jet lag was quite brutal.

I do, however, rely on the Timeshifter app which diligently tells me when to have light exposure, when to take Melatonin, when to drink caffeine etc... and for the most part I stick to the plan, especially on whistlestop trips like this one.

I hosted conversations with CEPI, The Global Fund, NATO not to mention countless politicians all eager to share their experiences and acquire the tools needed to make the case for health investment back in their home country.

Political Courage to Invest was the theme -- asking, nay insisting, on our political leaders being brave enough to standup for crucial long-term policies, even if their own tenure in office might be comparatively short.

It was great to reconnect with Paige Snider at The Pandemic Fund. Paige and I first met in Stockholm six years ago at a WHO Forum I was hosting. I have to confess that I absolutely leaned on her during the high-level dinner at the end of Day 1 of the summit.

evidence of me picking on Paige Snider!

My mind went blank and I had a microphone in my hand so looked out to the crowd and saw Paige, headed straight to her table and then thrust a microphone in her face to give the entire room her reflections on the summit so far. So unfair of me! But, Paige was articulate and generous and so so impressive.

All's forgiven!

She absolutely saved me for those moments when you just need a buffer before the brain kicks in!

Anyway, I'm home now, and feel busier than ever! Although I do have a bit of down time with my family coming up for the rest of August. Then September, new school year, conference season.... !!!