The Equity Initiative’s Eighth Annual Forum, held January 18-22, 2024, in Hua Hin, Thailand, was an opportunity for Fellows and resource persons to engage in meaningful exchanges, build new connections, and strengthen the bonds within the Equity Community. With the theme “Connection, Inspiration, and Community for Action,” the forum brought together over 100 participants. This gathering exemplified the power of collaboration as Fellows and leaders came together to advance the mission of health equity.

The event opened with a welcome dinner by the ocean, providing Fellows across cohorts a chance to reconnect after a year and extend a warm reception to the 2023 cohort. Each day offered a carefully curated program designed to inspire and empower participants. On the first day, Fellows visited Tham Rong Cultural Site to learn about toddy palm plantations and their role in community development, followed by an introduction to the Forum’s flow and a session on activating National Equity Communities. Cultural site visits highlighted the intersection of local practices and health equity, while keynote sessions featured global health leaders Dr. Michael Tan and Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Hamburg. Their reflections on tackling global health inequities resonated deeply, encouraging participants to reflect on their collective impact as a community.

Fellow-led sessions showcased diverse approaches to advancing equity, from addressing environmental justice and fostering self-care to leveraging technology and building restorative cultures. These sessions included reflections on self-care, collaborations for disability inclusion, and initiatives like One Health and Tech for Equity, emphasizing the creative and innovative work of Fellows. These sessions underscored the Fellows’ dedication and creativity in tackling pressing challenges, sparking robust discussions and potential collaborations. A special session led by Chris Oechsli, honored the legacy of Chuck Feeney, highlighting his enduring contributions to global philanthropy.

Country and cohort meetings further strengthened national and regional connections, creating pathways for collective action. The highlight of the forum was the graduation ceremony for the 2023 cohort, marking their formal integration into the Equity Community. The scarf-giving ceremony symbolized the passing of wisdom and inspiration, bringing a sense of unity and continuity to the gathering. The forum also featured open-space discussions on cross-sector collaboration and updates on the Atlantic Institute and Atlantic Fellows Programs, ensuring attendees left with actionable ideas and renewed purpose. The forum closed with reflections on shared commitments, inspiring all attendees to translate the week’s energy into tangible actions for health equity.

The Equity Initiative expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all Fellows, resource persons, and contributors who made the 2024 Annual Forum an inspiring and impactful event. Together, they continue to strengthen the Equity Community and its vision of a fairer, healthier world.