Recognizing the critical importance of urban safety and environmental management in today's rapidly urbanizing world, the Institute of Industrial Science (IIS) at the University of Tokyo and the Regional Network Office for Urban Safety (RNUS) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) have been organizing the International Symposium on New Technologies for Urban Safety of Mega Cities in Asia (USMCA) since 2002. This annual event, hosted in different cities across Asia, has become a platform for experts, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange knowledge on innovative solutions for urban safety, environmental sustainability, and resilience in the face of growing urban challenges

The recent COVID-19 pandemic, along with ongoing issues such as species loss, habitat degradation, pollution, invasive alien species, and global climate change, has illuminated the deep interconnections between human activities, the natural world, and urban environments. These phenomena are fundamentally reshaping the way we live, moving from relatively untouched natural ecosystems to the densest and most complex urban environments in human history. The impact of these transformations emphasizes the need for an integrated approach that not only addresses immediate urban concerns but also considers long-term health and environmental sustainability.

The concept of One Health, One World (OHOW), first articulated in the Manhattan Principles in 2004, offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, environmental health, urban safety, and sustainable environmental management. This holistic approach emphasizes that human well-being is directly linked to the health of animals, ecosystems, and the broader environment. Recognizing these interdependencies is crucial in managing the challenges that arise in urban settings, where human activities often intersect with environmental risks.

The 4^th OHOW Symposium, to be jointly organized by the One Health One World Research Initiative, the University of Tokyo, Japan, and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Building Research Institute (CSIR-CBRI), India, will build upon the insights gained from previous OHOW symposiums. Read More..