Article titled:<br />Prepared by: Professor Dr. Thanaa Bahaa El-Din Abdullah<br />Health is defined as: "A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being," "not the absence of disease or infirmity." The dimensions of health include: physical, mental, psychological, spiritual, social, and societal health. These dimensions are interconnected and influenced by each other, and any influence on one of them affects all of them. In short, people's assessment of themselves as healthy or unhealthy, and consequently their resort to preventive or curative health services, depends on their experiences, standards, knowledge, values, and roles and requirements in life. Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations. Its three dimensions are: economic: inclusive growth; social: equitable access to services (health, education); and environmental: protecting natural resources. There is a close relationship between health and sustainable development. Good health is the foundation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (such as poverty eradication and quality education). Chronic diseases and environmental pollution hinder economic and social progress. Furthermore, the third goal of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (good health) is linked to the rest. Ensuring good health for all is linked to Goal 6: clean water and sanitation, and Goal 13: combating climate change.<br />- Air pollution leads to respiratory diseases, especially lung diseases, which in turn leads to increased health spending and high treatment costs, which in turn leads to economic decline and burdens.<br />- The lack of clean water leads to the spread of diseases, which leads to decreased productivity.<br />- Therefore, managing medical waste leads to reduced pollution, which leads to the protection of natural resources.<br />- Organic agriculture leads to healthier food, which leads to stronger communities.<br />Strong health systems lead to more resilient societies in times of crisis (such as the COVID-19 pandemic). Statistics indicate that 70% of the Sustainable Development Goals are related to human health (such as ending hunger, clean water, and clean energy). Diseases resulting from pollution cost the world $4.6 trillion annually (according to a source: the World Bank). Therefore, "there is no development without health, and no health without a clean environment." The World Health Organization launched the "Health for All" initiative. Clean energy projects reduce pollution and support health, and urban agriculture improves nutrition and the environment. There are successful initiatives and inspiring global models, such as: Norway: A health system that relies on renewable energy by 98%. Rwanda: Malaria vaccination campaigns reduced deaths by 60%. The UAE: Sustainable smart city projects. Of course, there are several challenges facing countries, including: unequal access to health services between countries, climate change, the spread of infectious diseases and epidemics (such as malaria and dengue fever), a lack of awareness of the importance of prevention, and a lack of awareness of the impact of daily practices on health and the environment. Finding solutions and initiatives: such as promoting health education in schools and communities, supporting sustainable infrastructure (green hospitals, electric public transportation), and encouraging partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society. The role of individuals includes:<br />Following a healthy lifestyle (balanced nutrition, exercise), adopting sustainable habits such as reducing waste, recycling, and rationalizing consumption, as well as participating in health awareness campaigns and volunteering. The role of governments and society: (Partnership for the Future) includes: Governments: enacting laws to reduce industrial pollution. In addition, health institutions: providing free awareness programs.<br />There are simple steps that can have a significant impact, such as: replacing plastics with biodegradable ones, participating in tree planting campaigns to improve air quality, and using health apps to track physical activity.<br />Finally, a call to action: "Start with yourself, spread health awareness in your surroundings" and "Every individual is a partner in achieving development."<br /><br /><br /><br />ALMUSTAQBAL University is the first university in Iraq<br />