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Isabel Mestres: Reflections from Davos – Building Bridges in a Divided World

Isabel Mestres/LinkedIn

Jan 30, 2025, 05:10

Isabel Mestres: Reflections from Davos – Building Bridges in a Divided World

Isabel Mestres, CEO of the City Cancer Challenge, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Reflections from Davos: Building Bridges in a Divided World

Davos is always a powerful experience, I had the privilege to engage in pivotal discussions and connect with inspiring partners leaders such as Albert Bourla, Bernd Montag, Marc Casper, Michel Demaré among others. Their leadership shows what’s possible when purpose meets action.

E,g. Our partnership with Pfizer is a testament to this. In Rwanda, where despite the country’s commitment to improve cancer care systemic barriers persist, we’ve worked hand-in-hand to drive change.

We are especially thrilled by the recent launch of the National Program for Patient Navigation by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre – a follow up result of this collaboration. It’s about more than navigating systems; it’s about ensuring that no patient is left behind, no matter their circumstances. This is equity in action.

Yet, as I reflect on the progress made, I am struck by the growing divisions in the world. Nations retreat into isolation, and their flags become walls instead of bridges. Race, wealth, geography—these are human constructs, and should not become barriers to equitable healthcare. The global conversation in WEF25 highlighted this fragmentation. Are we losing sight of our shared humanity?

Albert Bourla’s words resonate deeply: “The status quo will collapse.” If we don’t act now, his warning may become reality – not just in health but in the cohesion of our global community. Yet, every challenge brings opportunity.

Initiatives like An Accordfora Healthier World, providing life-saving medicines and vaccines to those most in need, show the power of collective action.

To my fellow colleagues, partners, leaders, the question is simple: Do we build walls, or do we build bridges? For me, the answer is clear. What about you?”

Isabel Mestres: Reflections from Davos - Building Bridges in a Divided World