Dear Colleagues,

Public health policy today has to deliver in an increasingly complex environment. As the world becomes more interconnected, we are challenged to develop comprehensive policy responses to the cross- border political, social and economic effects of globalization.

In search for sustainable solutions to some of the pressing challenges of our time, the purpose of this special issue is to invite multifaceted discussions across national borders and academic disciplines. Very welcomed are theoretical analysis papers as well as case studies exploring the complex issues that challenge policy makers.

Key question include: What have we learned from the global health debate of the last ten years? What new forms of governance for health are emerging at various levels of governance? What role does public policy play in the face of an increasing array of health actors, in particular the private sector and civil society? What is the global responsibility of the rising powers and emerging economies? What new issues of representation and legitimacy are emerging? How do national and international health policies interface – particularly with reference to global public goods?
What new role do regional organisations and “clubs” play? How do international organisations need to change to be relevant and effective? Can the lessons learned from addressing infectious diseases be applied to the global burden of non-communicable diseases? How can ethical, economic and political considerations be balanced as the basis of every health policy? What approaches have governments taken to increase coherence, transparency and accountability for health across different ministries? How should different stakeholders be involved in the process of preparation and implementation?

Together with the whole team of the Journal, we are looking forward to an interesting debate that will highlight multitude of perspectives and best practices!

Prof. Dr. Ilona Kickbusch
Guest Editor