Dear readers, dear friends,

As we experience another intense heatwave across Europe—and here in Berlin—I find myself reflecting on how visible and immediate the effects of climate change have become. What used to feel exceptional is quickly becoming the norm, and it challenges us not only physically, but also in how we think about resilience, responsibility, and response.

Watching the current FIFA World Cup, I was struck by the now familiar “cooling breaks.” They are presented as a response to heat, and in some cases they certainly are. At the same time, many fans question whether they are always necessary—or whether they also reflect the commercial logic that increasingly shapes professional sports. This tension resonates with me: between genuine adaptation and measures that risk being more symbolic than substantive, between collective well-being and powerful economic interests.

These are exactly the kinds of questions we are engaging with at the Institute for Global Health Berlin (IGGB). With our extended call for abstracts—open until June 30—we invite you to contribute to the discussion on “Power, Crisis, and the Future of Global Health.” How do we navigate overlapping crises such as climate change, political shifts, and strained health systems? Whose voices are heard, and whose priorities prevail? I would be very glad to see your perspectives and ideas become part of this conversation. How to contribute!

At the same time, I would like to personally invite you to take a closer look at our Master’s programme in Global Health (GLH) at Akkon University. If you are considering deepening your engagement in this field, join us for our online information session on Wednesday, June 24 at 17:00. As programme lead, I look forward to introducing you to the structure, content, and community behind the programme—and to answering your questions directly. Sign up here!

In a time of rising temperatures and growing complexity, we need more than short pauses. We need people who are willing to engage, to question, and to shape what comes next. I hope you will join us—whether by contributing your work, or by taking the next step in your own global health journey.

Stay cool, and don’t just watch from the sidelines.

Greetings from Berlin,

Mathias Bonk