The Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2026 was held from 26–31 January 2026 at the Centara Grand and Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Navigating Global Demographic Transition through Innovative Policy: An Equity-Centered Approach.”
The conference convened global leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners to address rapid demographic shifts—including population aging, declining fertility, migration, youth population growth, and urbanization—and their implications for health systems, economies, and social protection. Discussions focused on life-course policies, human capital investments, and inclusive governance approaches that can help countries manage demographic transitions while reducing inequalities and strengthening resilience.
PMAC 2026 was organized around three sub-themes:
- Demographic Transitions, Social Equity, and Population Diversity
- Demographic Shifts and Health System Transformation
- Governing Health for People and Planet: Geopolitics in Flux
Chulalongkorn University’s engagement
The School of Global Health, Chulalongkorn University, participated actively in PMAC 2026. One of the medical students from the School, Phee Tranghiranyathorn, served as the lead rapporteurs, supporting session documentation and synthesis while gaining practical training in global health policy dialogue.
Phee Tranghiranyathorn, a medical student from the School of Global Health, Chulalongkorn University, served as a lead rapporteur at PMAC 2026, supporting session documentation and synthesis while gaining hands-on experience in global health policy dialogue.
Dr Wipaporn Natalie Songtaweesin of Chulalongkorn University spoke at a side meeting on 27 January 2026: The Lancet Global Health Commission on People-Centered Care for Universal Health Coverage: A Participatory Lab for Our Shared Future. Co-hosted by FHI 360, Harvard Medical School’s Program in Global Primary Health Care, the Praboromarajchanok Institute of the Thai Ministry of Public Health, and IFMSA, the session highlighted emerging approaches to people-centered care and invited participants to contribute to the Commission’s ongoing work toward recommendations expected in 2027.
Participants gathered at the side meeting “The Lancet Global Health Commission on People-Centered Care for Universal Health Coverage: A Participatory Lab for Our Shared Future” during PMAC 2026 on 27 January 2026. The session brought together global partners to share experiences in people-centered care and contribute insights to inform the Commission’s ongoing work toward recommendations expected in 2027.
In addition, Chulalongkorn University lead the organization of two parallel sessions examining how societies can adapt to demographic change:
- PS 1.1: Social Welfare Systems, Social Protection, and Fiscal Sustainability (29 January 2026) explored how countries can strengthen equitable and financially sustainable welfare systems amid aging populations, changing labor markets, and rising healthcare costs. The session emphasized life-course investments, inclusive social protection for vulnerable groups, innovative financing, and the role of digital and AI solutions in supporting resilient social welfare systems.
Panlists at PMAC 2026’s parallel session PS 1.1: Social Welfare Systems, Social Protection, and Fiscal Sustainability discussed how countries can strengthen equitable and financially sustainable welfare systems through life-course investments, inclusive protection, and innovative policy solutions amid demographic change.
- PS 1.3: The Role of Family, Community, and Supportive Environments Amid Demographic Shifts (29 January 2026) examined how demographic change is reshaping caregiving structures, intergenerational relationships, and community support systems. Discussions highlighted inclusive and community-based approaches—ranging from mental health and palliative care models to age-friendly environments and digital health initiatives—to strengthen families and communities as key pillars of health and social well-being.
Participants at PMAC 2026’s parallel session PS 1.3: The Role of Family, Community, and Supportive Environments Amid Demographic Shifts discussed inclusive, community-based approaches to strengthen caregiving, intergenerational support, and age-friendly environments in response to demographic change.
Through these contributions, Chulalongkorn University reinforced its commitment to global health education and policy engagement, while supporting the development of future health leaders equipped to navigate demographic transitions with equity-focused solutions.
