Beyond the scientific programme
Arts, culture, sports and more
Beyond the scientific programme
A wide and varied programme of arts and culture. social and sports, and public engagement activities will run in parallel to the scientific programme.
For some of these, additional registration is required due to limited capacity; please check the congress app or ask anyone on the volunteer team for updates on this side programme.
We look forward to seeing you at one or more of these side events!
Many thanks to the Arts & Culture, Sports, Social and Public Engagement Committees for their dedicated energy and creative ideas in developing this programme!
Manouk van de Klundert from the Knowledge Centre Global Health has been coordinating the side events programme; we caught up with her last week to find out more abut what she and the ECTMIH 2023 Committees have been planning for next week's delegates:
Scheduled activities
Monday 20 November
| 15:30 | 90 mins | Tivoli Vredenberg Grote Zaal | Music during Opening Address
We welcome Utrecht violinist Merel Vercammen, vibraphonist Vincent Houdijk and cellist Maya Fridman who will improvise -just like in her album The Zoo - to visuals and the conversations taking place on stage. This session will also feature the short film Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care produced by the United Nations Environmental Programme |
Tuesday 21 November
| 10:30 | 90 mins | Utrecht centre | A walk through the medical colonial history of Utrecht
Frank Huisman, Professor in the history of medicine will lead a walking tour of the medical and colonial history of Utrecht. Meeting point: in front of Tivoli Vredenburg |
| 12:15 | 60 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg Grote Zaal | WHO Health for All Film Festival: Climate Change and Health Enjoy your lunch during three lunchtime sessions offered by the WHO Health for All Film Festival (HAFF). Each session will include three short films from past HAFF editions and panel discussions on the topic. The films on this key and challenging environmental issue are part of the shortlist of more than 90 stories made for HAFF 2023. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Dr Santino Severoni, WHO Director, Department of Migrants Health; Dr Francesca Racioppi, Head of Office, WHO European Centre for Environment and Health; Jürg Uttzinger, Director of Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute; Amrish Baidjoe from MSF. |
| 12:15 | 60 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg F-foyer, close to Grote Zaal (meeting point: in front of the clock room) | Book club session #1: The Fraud by Zadie Smith Every day during lunch, we offer the opportunity to discuss an interesting book together with international colleagues. EU inhabitants can order the books can be ordered via our partner Utrecht bookstore store Savannah Bay. The books are also widely available outside of Europe. The Fraud (2023) by Zadie Smith, Penguin Press In her first historical novel, Zadie Smith tells the story of Sir Roger Tichborne, presumed dead at sea. When he returns to claim his fortune, questions arise about his identity. Is he really Sir Roger? Or is he, more likely, an Australian butcher playing the role of a gentleman? Smith deftly leads her readers through 19th-century London with the help of a multicultural constellation of characters. The conversation will be facilitated by Professor Kiene Brillenburg Wurth, professor of Literature and Comparative Media at Utrecht University and Dr Callum Gunn, postdoc UMC Utrecht |
| 12:15 | 45 mins | Pandora Foyer | Mentoring sessions Do you have some burning questions? Do you need some guidance or advice? Elevate your career in healthcare and global health with our short mentoring sessions. If you're a young professional passionate about making a meaningful impact, these open sessions are tailored to your unique needs! Whether you're a medical student, public health enthusiast, or (aspiring) healthcare leader or professor, our experienced mentors will provide powerful insights. We'll help you navigate the complexities of this dynamic field, empowering you to excel and contribute to global health challenges. Unlock your full potential, shape the future of healthcare, and make a lasting difference. Secure your spot here |
| 12:15 or 15:30 | 150 mins | Utrecht centre | Art tour at UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital This is a unique opportunity to visit the UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital to see the hospital and how art is integrated in the public spaces of the hospital. The tour will be given by students from the MA Medical Humanities of Utrecht University, and delegates of both ECTMIH and WHO Europe Health Cities Network meeting are invited to attend. During the art tour, you will also visit the I art my science project, which aims to capture the identity of the Graduate School of Life Sciences of Utrecht University and to showcase its diversity through art. We will be travelling on public transport. Please bring your OV chipcard or debit card. Meeting point: outside Tivoli Vredenburg, Social Impact Factory side There is a maximum number of 12 persons per tour: secure your spot here |
| 12:15 or 12:30 or 15:10 | 15 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg Pandora Foyer | Yoga Session - Find Inner Peace and Balance Join us for a relaxing yoga session amidst the conference's activities. This session is perfect for those seeking relaxation and tranquillity. A yoga instructor will guide you through various poses, stretches, and breathing exercises to help you find inner peace and balance. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, the session is open to all who look forward to stepping out of the ECTMIH 2023 dynamics onto a mat. |
| 17:00 | 120 mins | Neude Bibliotheek - Neude 11, 3512 AE Utrecht | Public Dialogue on Commercial Determinants of Health
Join us for an engaging public dialogue during ECTMIH 2023, where we will explore the profound impact of the Commercial Determinants of Health on global well-being. This discussion aims to raise awareness about these determinants and their intricate interplay with social, political, and economic factors. We'll foster a much-needed public dialogue involving stakeholders from various sectors and advocate for the recognition of commercial determinants in policies that safeguard public health. Esteemed speakers, including Nicholas Freudenberg, Floor Haalboom, and Ankie van Wersch-Lenders, will provide valuable insights to create a healthier world for all. Space limited: register here for free |
| 19:00 | 120 mins | Sonneburgh Zocherpark Utrecht | Join the Conversation on Planetary Health Education!
In collaboration with the ECTMIH Academy, IFMSA-NL is hosting a Round Table discussion focused on Planetary Health Education. This discussion seeks to bridge the gap between medical education and planetary health awareness, uniting healthcare professionals, educators, students, and enthusiastic stakeholders. Together, we'll explore effective strategies for conveying the message of planetary health with a focus on hope rather than despair through education. Secure your spot for €4 here |
| 20:00 | 120 mins | Bibliotheek Neude, Neude 11, 3512 AE Utrecht | Public Dialogue: Heel Utrecht Gezond (in Dutch) Join us for an engaging discussion on health disparities and the factors influencing our well-being. We'll explore the factors at play in the Utrecht region in a dialogue featuring Hafez Ismaili M’Hamdi, Professor in Early Development and Health at Amsterdam UMC, Professor Kitty Bloemenkamp, Jochen Mierau, Mirthe Mulwijk, and Professor Roel Vermeulen. Our focus will be on examining health disparities in the Netherlands and Utrecht and their close connection to social factors. Let's raise awareness about unjust health inequities and explore ways to address them. This event is open to all, including Utrecht residents without extensive health knowledge. Spaces limited: register here for free |
Wednesday 22 November
| 08:30 | 90 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg Grote Zaal | Live painter During the plenary The New EU Global Health Strategy: Implications for research live artist Jessamijn Alberts will create an inspiring series of drawings, adding a dynamic visual dimension to the discussion. |
| 12:15 | 60 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg Grote Zaal | WHO Health for All Film Festival - lunch series: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights The stories in this session are winning films of past HAFF editions, and two of them were used for health education programs. The panel discussion will be held by Dr Christina Pallitto, WHO lead scientist specialized in Female Genital Mutilation, Dr Doris Chou, WHO Medical Officer, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and Koiwah Koi-Larbi from Action on preeclampsia Ghana. |
| 12:15 | 60 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg F-foyer, close to Grote Zaal (meeting point: in front of the clock room) | Book club session #2: The Culture Map: Decoding How People Think, Lead and Get Things Done Across Culture by Erin Meyer Every day during lunch, we offer the opportunity to discuss an interesting book together with international colleagues. EU inhabitants can order the books can be ordered via our partner Utrecht bookstore Savannah Bay. The books are also widely available outside of Europe. The Culture Map: Decoding How People Think, Lead, and Get Things Done Across Culture (2014) by Erin Meyer Erin Meyer uses data collected from over 20 countries to inform this thorough and immensely accessible study of communication among and between cultures. Her findings inform eight scales, which can be used to understand the sources of miscommunication and to facilitate more productive collaboration. The conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Judith van de Kamp, assistant professor Global Health Education UMC Utrecht. |
| 12:15 | 45 mins | Pandora Foyer | Mentoring sessions Do you have some burning questions? Do you need some guidance or advice? Elevate your career in healthcare and global health with our short mentoring sessions. If you're a young professional passionate about making a meaningful impact, these open sessions are tailored to your unique needs! Whether you're a medical student, public health enthusiast, or (aspiring) healthcare leader or professor, our experienced mentors will provide powerful insights. We'll help you navigate the complexities of this dynamic field, empowering you to excel and contribute to global health challenges. Unlock your full potential, shape the future of healthcare, and make a lasting difference. Secure your spot here |
| 12:15 or 15:30 | 150 mins | Utrecht centre | Art tour at UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital
This is a unique opportunity to visit the UMC Utrecht and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital to see the hospital and how art is integrated in the public spaces of the hospital. The tour will be given by students from the MA Medical Humanities of Utrecht University, and delegates of both ECTMIH and WHO Europe Health Cities Network meeting are invited to attend. During the art tour, you will also visit the I art my science project, which aims to capture the identity of the Graduate School of Life Sciences of Utrecht University and to showcase its diversity through art. Meeting point: outside Tivoli Vredenburg, Social Impact Factory side We will be travelling on public transport. Please bring your OV chipcard or debit card. There is a maximum number of 12 persons per tour: secure your spot here |
| 19:30 | 150 mins | Kinepolis, Jaarbeursboulevard 300, 3521 BC Utrecht | The Future of Cities: Green City Life - Documentary and Discussion Night Join us for an enlightening evening at Kinepolis and a free public screening of Green City Life, an inspiring documentary that explores the path to healthier and more sustainable cities. This documentary showcases innovative solutions like revegetation, urban farming, and bio-waste recovery, all aimed at creating greener and healthier urban environments. Follow two young French city dwellers, Manon and François, as they embark on a journey around the world, meeting ordinary people with extraordinary initiatives for healthier urban living that reconnect People, Cities, and Nature. The screening will be followed by a discussion and Q&A with experts and the audience, all in English. Limited spaces available: please register here for free Note: Kinepolis is located in the same building as the Speys restaurant where the optional conference dinner is held. If you would like to have a bite before joining the event, you are more than welcome. Details for registration below. |
| 18:00 | 150 mins | Restaurant Speys, Veemarktplein 50, 3521AG Utrecht | Congress dinner Join us for an Asian inspired vegetarian buffet at Speys in the heart of Utrecht. They open up especially for ECTMIH-visitors and visitors of the WHO Green City Life screening. More details and registration will follow via email to registered ECTMIH-participants. |
Thursday 23 November
| 12:15 | 60 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg Grote Zaal | WHO Health for All Film Festival - lunch series: Mental Health The films in this session were screened at a DocUNight event in Copenhagen, Denmark, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. The panel discussion on this health topic will be held by Dr Ledia Lazeri, Mental Health Adviser, WHO European Office, and Afona Chernet from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. |
| 12:15 | 60 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg F-foyer, close to Grote Zaal (meeting point: in front of the clock room) | Book club session #3: Misjka by Edward van de Vendel & Anoush Elman Every day during lunch, we offer the opportunity to discuss an interesting book together with international colleagues. EU inhabitants can order the books can be ordered via our partner Utrecht bookstore Savannah Bay. The books are also widely available outside of Europe. Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman (2021) Viking. When she read her poem “The Hill We Climb” out loud for President Biden’s inauguration, Amanda Gorman was just 22 years old. As this collection proves, age is not a prerequisite for experience and poetic range. Funny, serious, profound, eclectic. There are many words to describe this collection, but one thing is certain. These poems beg to be read (and discussed) out loud. The conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Katherine Bassil , assistant professor neuroethics. Misjka (2023) by Edward van de Vendel & Anoush Elman This book won the most prestigious prize for children’s literature: the Golden Stylus (Gouden Griffel). Beautiful illustrations by Annet Schaap accompany this story of Roya and her family as they settle in the Netherlands. Roya asks for a new pet for their new home, Misjka, a dwarf rabbit. Roya loves her new pet and trusts her enough to share the story of her family’s flight from their homeland. Please note: this children’s book is in Dutch. As an ECTMIH 2023 satellite event, the book will be read out loud to elementary school children. |
| 12:15 | 45 mins | Pandora Foyer | Mentoring sessions Do you have some burning questions? Do you need some guidance or advice? Elevate your career in healthcare and global health with our short mentoring sessions. If you're a young professional passionate about making a meaningful impact, these open sessions are tailored to your unique needs! Whether you're a medical student, public health enthusiast, or (aspiring) healthcare leader or professor, our experienced mentors will provide powerful insights. We'll help you navigate the complexities of this dynamic field, empowering you to excel and contribute to global health challenges. Unlock your full potential, shape the future of healthcare, and make a lasting difference. Secure your spot here |
| 18:00 | 30 mins | Tivoli Vredenburg Grote Zaal | DeKoor Close Harmony Dekoor consists of thirty young Utrecht musicians with a shared passion: close harmony. From subdued pop ballads to swinging jazz and from inspiring gospel to classical excursions; Dekoor does not shy away from anything and goes beyond the beaten path of the choir world. They will show their talents at the closing session. |
Activities taking place through the day - every day - during ECTMIH 2023
I See
Location: Park 6 and K.P. Hein Foyer screens
In 2021, The Asian University for Women (AUW) in Bangladesh and UMC Utrecht acquired a Share-net application grant to develop an in-house sexual and reproductive health and rights multimedia repository using real life perspectives of AUW students. This database is composed of videos, pictures and literary entries of AUW students reflecting on the state of SRHR in their own personal lives. In total, there were 12 videos, 5 photos and 18 literary entries. We will be showing 5 videos, 2 photos and 5 literary pieces during the conference.
The topics submitted by the students were diverse, but the message was somehow similar: women are often in situations that have unfavourable outcomes. Health disparities and challenges are felt because of socio-ecological values and norms imposed by culture, and these struggles are mirrored in their contest entries.
We started this project to stimulate student involvement in our teaching activities, but the impact of engaging the arts was much more than we anticipated. We learned the value of giving students another pathway to stimulate conversations, hear their thoughts and navigate through difficult discussions aside from the usual academic/scientific didactic methods.
Pop-up Bookstore
Location: Rhonda 1
In collaboration with the independent local bookstore, Savannah Bay, this special event will showcase a curated selection of inspiring literature. The pop-up bookstore will feature non-fiction, poetry, and children's books, all centred around Global and Planetary Health.
Art Exhibition: Chidiebere Ibe
Location: Rhonda 1
Chidiebere Ibe is a Nigerian Medical Illustrator and aspiring Paediatric Neurosurgeon. His inclusive illustrations have been a mirror to the medical practice, leading practitioners, educators, and researchers globally to realise our common blind spots and the need to diversify medical illustrations to deliver healthcare that works for everyone and reduces inequities. At the art exhibition, you can explore his diverse illustrations of the human body.
Art Exhibition: Maria Koijck, various videos
Location: K.P. Hein Foyer TV screens
Maria Koijck is a Dutch spatial artist. Through her work, she not only brings attention to the immense global plastic waste problem, but also highlights the role of the health sector in contributing to this issue through surgical waste. Her art has served as a catalyst for numerous sustainable healthcare initiatives focused on waste reduction and recycling.
During ECTMIH 2023, we’re pleased to display multiple videos around the theme of surgical waste, including Maria's famous video about her own breast cancer operation.
Art Exhibition: Hozan Zangana, Prinsenhof Sculpture Invisible wound
Location: Park 6
This sculpture called "INVISIBLE WOUND" created by Hozan Zangana, inspired by his personal experience of fleeing Iraq at the age of fifteen and as a tribute to the Yazidis who sought refuge in the Sinjar Mountains to escape genocide by ISIS in 2014. The sculpture symbolises the burden carried by refugees, including not only physical possessions but also their identity and culture. It highlights the trauma and systemic challenges faced by refugees, especially those who are dehumanised and rejected, deepening their emotional wounds. The sculpture is made from recycled plastic, serving as a powerful symbol of the plight of refugees, who, like plastic waste, are often treated as disposable in society.
Art exhibition: Planetary Health Glasses
Location: Main stage
The lens through which we view the world determines our thoughts, perspectives, opinions and actions. We invite you to put your planetary health glasses on, and look at the world and the conversations you will have during and after ECTMIH 2023 through this perspective.
Design by Planetary Health Impulse Team, UMC Utrecht, Production by KCGH and Studio Sociaal Centraal, Kenniscentrum Global Health
Photo Exhibition: Side by Side - Médecins Sans Frontières x Uğur Gallenkuş
Location: Rhonda 2
This compelling photo exhibition, a collaboration between Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and renowned digital artist Uğur Gallenkuş, juxtaposes striking images to shed light on the stark contrasts in living conditions and access to healthcare across the world. Through powerful collages, the exhibition conveys humanitarian messages and encourages viewers to think beyond their familiar environments. Original pictures from old and recent MSF archives are used to depict side-by-side realities, highlighting the need to address often-overlooked global challenges.
Photo Exhibition: Saskia Duijs
Location: Main Hall next to door 10
The "What You Don't See" photo exhibition is a result of a four-year participatory health research project focused on the well-being of long-term care workers. This collaboration between care workers, academic researchers, and photographer Janine Schrijver delves into the health challenges faced by caregivers in various roles, revealing the impact of societal inequalities on their work and lives. Through four powerful portraits, the exhibition sheds light on hidden determinants affecting long-term care workers' occupational health and invites viewers to connect with their stories using QR codes.
Photo Exhibition: “Planetary health in Utrecht” Photovoice Workshop participants
Location: Pandora Foyer
This exhibition is the result of a technical workshop led by Karlijn Kakebeeke during ECTMIH Academy, focusing on photovoice and its connection to planetary health. The workshop participants captured photos and narratives to transform personal experiences into actionable knowledge. The displayed photos offer insights into the relationship between climate change and health, encouraging the audience to engage and reflect. Through this interactive exhibition, overarching themes and actionable areas will be identified and explored.
Photo exhibition: “the AI reproduction of biased imagery in global health visuals” - Arsenii Alenichev & Koen Peeters
Location: under the Cloud Nine stairs on Park 6
Science meets art and engagement in the exhibition by Arsenii Alenichev and Koen Peters. This exhibition will show the images included in their Lancet Global Health article Reflections before the storm: the AI reproduction of biased imagery in global health visuals, and invite ECTMIH delegates to reflect on the ethical and practical implications of this bias in AI for global health practice.
Colonial and Slavery History Utrecht Walk
Location: Start point at Janskerkhof 12, Utrecht
In honour of Keti Koti (Slavery Remembrance Day), Utrecht Time Machine, a history platform initiated by Utrecht University, has launched the Colonial History Walking route.
This self-guided route takes visitors through Utrecht's city centre, bringing to life the city's colonial history with resources from the walking tour "Sporen van Slavernij Utrecht" and The Utrecht Archives (Het Utrechts Archief), one of the partners within the Utrecht Time Machine consortium. The aim is to foster a deeper understanding of Utrecht's history and its connections to the present. The route is accessible on the Utrecht Time Machine website.
Trajectum Lumen: Artwalk in Utrecht (evening walk)
Location: Start point at Domplein 9, Utrecht
As daylight fades in Utrecht, the illuminated stories of Trajectum Lumen come to life. These art installations cast a unique light on the history, residents, function, or symbolism of Utrecht's buildings and locations. Some light artworks interact with well-known buildings, while others guide you to hidden and unexpected places that may go unnoticed during the day. You can access the route for this captivating evening walk on their website.
Fun Games - Connect and Compete
Date and time: continuous
Location: Pandora Foyer
Unleash your competitive spirit in a friendly and fun environment with fellow global health colleagues from around the world. Join us for a series of engaging and interactive games that promote teamwork and collaboration. These games are not only entertaining but also a fantastic way to network and bond with your peers!
You can also sign up or ask questions during the conference by coming and finding the Social Committee at their booth in the K. F. Hein Foyer (next to Park 6, the main conference foyer). Come say hello and explore our programme!
Morning Runs/Walks through Utrecht
Date and time: TBC
Location: TBC
For those who love to be outside and want to explore the beautiful city of Utrecht, we will provide several running or walking routes. This is a fantastic way to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and see Utrecht from a unique perspective!
Planetary Health Video Playlist
Mini-documentary viewing of virtual hub students
Date and time: continuous
Location: K.P.Hein Foyer screens
The Virtual International Collaboration in Education project has embedded an educational component within ECTMIH, connecting Dutch knowledge institutions with their international partners in its execution, and expanding the reach of ECTMIH to include students in the Netherlands and globally. As a result, they created a Planetary Health course for students from all over the world. Together with a professional documentary maker, the students worked in groups on the assignment: a short video about a planetary health topic of interest. These amazing videos can be seen at Tivoli!
Live podcasting
Date and time: continuous - a new episode every day
Location: Spotify & Apple podcasts
During ECTMIH we will produce a daily podcast to provide a platform to delve into some of the topics deeper, give room for upcoming researchers, and share the general impressions and insights from ECTMIH2023 to a wider public.
Three driven podcast makers, Ashis Brahma, Doris van der Heijden and Eva Heeling will talk both with ECTMIH participants as speakers to enlarge the impact of the Conference. More information will be shared via de ECTMIH channels. You will be able to find the ECTMIH2023 podcast via Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Photo booth
Date and time: continuous
Location: Pandora Foyer
Step into the world of memories at our photobooth. Amidst the serious discussions of our congress, take a moment to create lasting memories with (new) friends and colleagues. Join us in celebrating moments of connection and inspiration. Capture the joy and laughter as we all work towards a healthier world. Say cheese, and let's make meaningful connections alongside unforgettable memories! And do not forget to take your photo home after the day!
Message wall and voting questions
Date and time: continuous
Location: K.P. Hein Foyer
Embrace the bustling days of ECTMIH to the fullest, but don’t forget to pause sometimes and reflect on your experiences. You can do this at our (interactive) message wall and voting questions! Tell us what you think by answering our questions and share what caught your attention, what’s troubling you or what inspired you (today) at our message wall. This interactive space is a canvas for ideas, creativity and inspiration. Let's connect and create this collective message wall!
Planetary Health Playlist
Date and time: continuous
Location: Spotify
ECTMIH 2023 partner Planetary Health Hub NL recently started a playlist on Spotify and would love your contributions! Added a song? Tell us more about it by using #ECTMIH2023 in your social media message!
Dr Nynke Postma said "We believe that building a planetary health movement is more than online meetings and Powerpoint slides; we need other ways to connect with each other and with ourselves and with nature. Music is a very important way of connecting people and also connecting the mind with the soul. Everyone is very welcome to follow the playlist and send in their suggestions for great tracks to add. Watch her interview here.