Global priorities, local realities: Horizon Scanning reveals future needs for One Health research, policy and practice

Abstract The One Health Horizon Scanning project identified pressing global and regional research priorities by engaging over 400 diverse stakeholders across multiple disciplines (animal, plant, environmental, human, agricultural and wildlife sciences), multiple sectors (public, private, non-government, civil society), educational institutions, UN agencies, other international organisations and networks), age groups, genders, levels of working experience and countries. The research involved using a multi-phase participatory process, following good practice for Horizon Scanning, comprising an online survey, participatory workshops (two face-to-face and two virtual) and a second survey. From this combined process, five high-priority themes emerged for One Health research, policy and practice: integrated surveillance, climate-driven disease dynamics, governance mechanisms, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and socio-environmental drivers of disease. While broadly aligned with the action tracks of the Quadripartite’s One Health Joint Plan of Action, key priorities surfaced, particularly around the need for environmental integration, equity, governance and implementation tools. This commentary reflects on these findings and their implications for operationalising a globally coherent but locally responsive One Health strategy. One Health impact statement This commentary presents insights from a global Horizon Scanning exercise, spotlighting perceived emerging research and implementation priorities for One Health in different global regions. It highlights thematic areas where current One Health agendas must evolve to address the environmental, social and political complexities that are constraining health progress in a broad sense. The top four research themes were: Climate Change and Health; Surveillance and Preparedness; Governance, Policy, Implementation and Evaluation; Social, Cultural, and Educational Factors (including Data, Knowledge and Evidence). The work reinforces the importance of a forward-looking One Health research agenda that can advance integrated surveillance, strengthen governance and equity and tackle drivers such as climate change, environmental degradation and antimicrobial resistance. Aligning research investment and evidence-based policy with these priorities will enable improved understanding, coordinated responses and effective prevention of health threats across humans, animals, plants and ecosystems.