The Global Imperative: Oral Health on the World Stage

In the ever-evolving landscape of global health priorities, there are moments that shape our understanding of what it means to advocate for change. Today, I stand before you, both as the Founder and CEO of UNSPOKEN SMILES and as an advocate for a cause that is close to my heart - oral health.

Three years ago, in the hallowed halls of the World Economic Forum in Davos, I spoke about the urgent need to bring oral health to the forefront of global health discussions. I emphasized that oral health is not merely a dental concern but an essential element of overall health and well-being. Today, we are witnessing a profound realization of that vision with the launch of the Oral Health Affinity Group by the World Economic Forum.

The renowned American novelist James Baldwin once said, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." The creation of this affinity group is precisely that - a collective acknowledgment that oral health is an issue that cannot be ignored. It is a call to action to address oral health disparities that persist across the globe.

Health equity requires communities, government, civil society, and the private sector to come together to drive systems change. Together they can target the root causes of disparity and the non-medical drivers of health to achieve health equity."

These words have been my guiding light, a testament to the fundamental truth that health equity cannot be achieved in isolation. It demands a concerted effort from all sectors of society. With the formation of the Oral Health Affinity Group, we are inviting leaders from diverse industries to join this critical conversation. It is a platform for collaboration, innovation, and systemic change that will place oral health where it belongs - on the global health agenda.

Unspoken Smiles has stood at the forefront of this global fight, tirelessly advocating for the inclusion of oral health in the world's most vital agendas. Today, we proudly align ourselves with the World Economic Forum's vision. We invite all of you to join us in this monumental journey.

How can you get involved?

1. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest developments in oral health and its impact on global health.

2. Advocate: Raise awareness about the importance of oral health within your network and community. Share our message and amplify the call for change.

3. Engage: Participate in the conversation within the Oral Health Affinity Group. Your insights and ideas are invaluable in shaping the path forward.

4. Support: Back organizations like Unspoken Smiles, who have committed themselves to this cause. Your support makes a difference.

5. Advocate for Change: Engage with policymakers and governments to prioritize oral health as a critical component of public health.

In the grand tapestry of global health, oral health is a thread that cannot be ignored. It's time to weave it into the fabric of our global health agenda. Together, we can create a world where every smile reflects not only happiness but also health and equity.

#OralHealth #GlobalHealth #WEF #UnspokenSmiles #HealthEquity