Kutse

European Health Forum Gastein T +43 (0) 6432 33 93 270

Tauernplatz 1 F +43 (0) 6432 33 93 271

5630 Bad Hofgastein E [email protected]

Austria W www.ehfg.org

Minister Riina Sikkut

Ministry of Social Affairs

Suur-Ameerika 1

10122 Tallinn

Estonia

Via email

Monday 3 March 2025

Dear Minister Sikkut,

In my function as President of the European Health Forum Gastein, it is my pleasure to extend a warm invitation to you to

participate in the:

28th European Health Forum Gastein

Rethinking solidarity in health: healing Europe´s fractured social contract

30 September – 3 October 2025, Gastein Valley, Austria

We would be honoured if you agreed to participate in the EHFG 2025 and would be happy to explore in-person speaking

opportunities for you during our conference sessions in Bad Hofgastein. We would also welcome your participation in our

invitation-only Gastein Policy Dialogue workshop for senior decision-makers attending the Forum, and held under the Chatham

House Rule. This event will take place on the evening of Wednesday 1 October. The idea behind it is to offer a select group of

people, who shape health policy at the national, European or global level, the opportunity for informal discussions with their

counterparts from other countries and international institutions on key topics during a workshop followed by dinner. There may

also be the opportunity to participate in one of our Press Points. To make best use of your time in the Gastein Valley, we can also

gladly facilitate bilateral meetings with other ministers and senior representatives from international health organisations.

#EHFG2025: Rethinking solidarity in health: healing Europe´s fractured social contract

In 2025 the EHFG will focus on the social contract, a shared understanding that binds individuals, families, communities,

workplaces, and institutions, and underpins the cohesion that makes our societies work. Every day, we participate in this contract

through mutual obligations such as caregiving, paying taxes, and supporting public services. At its core lies solidarity, which is

essential for our collective well-being. However, with politicised immigration, disinformation campaigns, and a disconnect

between people and politics, a polarised world has emerged where solidarity is under threat. Many feel that the social contract is

fractured or benefits others more than them. Healing it must start with health, a sector uniquely positioned to restore trust and

solidarity. In these uncertain times, safeguarding European values rooted in a strong social contract is more urgent than ever.

About the EHFG

The EHFG annually convenes around 1700 participants onsite and online for candid exchange and active collaboration, comprising

senior decision-makers as well as key experts and community members from government and administration, business and

industry, civil society, and science and academia. The conference integrates regional, national, European and international levels,

and actively supports intersectoral dialogue that breaks open traditional silos in health policy. For an insight into the proceedings

of last year´s edition of the Forum, we would like to draw your attention to our EHFG 2024 Outcomes which are disseminated to

a wide network of stakeholders each year.

It would be my pleasure if you could join the 28th edition of the EHFG. Please do not hesitate to contact my colleague Louise Boyle

(Louise.Boyle(at)ehfg.org) for further information.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Clemens Martin Auer President, European Health Forum Gastein