Despite devastating global funding cuts and geopolitical turmoil, over 3,000 lung health experts took part in the Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025, from 18-21 November in Copenhagen, Denmark.
World-leading scientists, researchers, policy makers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, civil society, donors and affected communities from 120 countries participated in the four-day conference.
Key speakers
The Union Conference kicked off with a truly inspiring keynote speech delivered by global health advocate and bestselling author, John Green, who stated: “Every crisis in an opportunity to reimagine TB care but it is also a crisis, and on every level it is a man-made crisis… we have plenty of money as a community to end tuberculosis – it will cost billions but we have billions and must do what is needed.”
Key figures of the opening session included Dr Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Executive Director of The Union, Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Prof Guy Marks, President of The Union.
Prof Guy Marks highlighted the importance of remaining united during such a challenging period: “We must organise: within our communities, our countries, our workforces – where our voices and actions can affect change that matters to us. Collectively, we do have a voice. We must be heard on the matters that concern us in these dark times. We, as The Union, have a role to play in the context of our vision and mission. We all, as individuals, have a role to play through civil society.”
Inside the conference programme
Over 250 sessions were delivered during the gathering, as part of the foundation programme, TBScience and Community Connect, which covered every key topic and breakthrough across lung health, including: the impact of global funding cuts, new treatments, innovative diagnostics, the use of AI, community engagement and supporting refugee and migrant populations.
A powerful feature of this year’s conference was the inclusion of four authors who are breathing new life into TB advocacy. They featured across the conference, including a fascinating auditorium session, where they discussed the power of translating words into action that can save lives.
The abstract book for the 56th Union World Conference is available to read here.
Ensuring every voice is heard
Once again, Community Connect continued to grow as a key element of the conference –becoming a vital platform for the affected community and civil society to share experiences and develop person-centred solutions for lung health.
This year, there were new features, such as ‘Shared Visions’ and art therapy sessions, encouraging delegates to freely express themselves. One of the most interactive and energising Community Connect sessions was the beta testing of a virtual escape room, ‘Escaping the TB Trap’, exploring the social barriers that shape TB health-seeking behaviour.
Amplification beyond the conference rooms
Groundbreaking research and thought-provoking opinions shared during the conference received notable media coverage, featuring in The Guardian, El Pais and SciDev. Further strengthening the reach of the important messages and announcements emanating from the Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025.
Celebrating excellence in lung health
Throughout the conference several prestigious awards were presented to individuals and organisations making exceptional contributions to TB and lung health.
The Union Medal, The Union’s highest honour, was awarded to Dr Jeremiah Chakaya Muhwa for his outstanding contribution to lung health through by his leadership, technical expertise and passion for teaching in Kenya and beyond.
The Stephen Lawn TB-HIV Research Leadership Prize, acknowledging young researchers conducting promising work on TB and HIV/AIDS in Africa, was awarded to Dr Claire Calderwood.
The Early Career Researcher Award, supported by Johnson & Johnson, recognises outstanding and promising early-career research in TB and lung health. For the first time ever the award was presented to Jayne Ellis, who receives a full scholarship to attend the Union Conference 2026, along with open-access fee support for original publication in the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.
The Princess Chichibu Memorial TB Global Award, presented by the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association, honouring an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to global TB control was awarded to Prof Keertan Dheda.
The returning Karel Styblo Public Health Prize was jointly awarded to the Former USAID TB Division and the Desmond Tutu TB Centre, both acknowledged for their significant impact on TB control and public health.
One of the conference’s most colourful traditions, the Christmas Seals Exhibit and Contest took place. The 121-year-old celebration of creativity and advocacy was voted for by delegates, members and the public, with the prizes going to:
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1st place: Taiwan Anti-Tuberculosis Association
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2nd place: Korean National Tuberculosis Association
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3rd place: Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association
Warmest congratulations to all award recipients for their remarkable contributions.
Delegates
The conference brought together approximately 3,300 delegates from every corner of the globe, highlighting its wide international reach and diverse sector engagement. Participants represented more than 120 countries, with especially strong attendance from the USA, India, the UK and South Africa.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the dedicated volunteers whose contributions helped ensure an exceptional experience for all attendees.
Wrap-up videos
Experience the highlights of the Union World Conference on Lung Health 2025 once more with our official wrap-up video, bringing together key discussions, memorable moments and diverse perspectives from Copenhagen.
Daily highlight videos from each day of the conference are also available to watch: