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The pace of globalization has brought the world to the brink of a new era in international relations. While the world has outgrown traditional mechanisms for addressing global issues, it has not yet developed new forms of effective governance. This temporary void poses threats and enormous opportunities. The public health sector will play a crucial "formal" role--that is, carried out by existing bodies such as WHO and the UN. But WHO does not necessarily represent the full spectrum of views and its members necessarily work, to some degree, for separate national interests. The formal dimension must be supplemented. Globalization is not synonymous with lack of regulation. Many responsible businesses would welcome a transparent and universally applied regulatory regime to prevent a race to the lowest standards. The economic benefits of globalization may hit a glass ceiling if societies outside the global economy become progressively poorer and less healthy. The business community is recognizing that good health is essential for economic growth and social stability. Globalization may cause millions to migrate for economic opportunity. The private sector's forward-thinkers recognize the health threats of migration and are beginning to view global health promotion as a means to ensure optimal market access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nils Daulaire argues that the fundamental challenge is to recognize globalization's potential benefits as well as its threats to human well-being, and to harness this force to the promotion of health and equity for people around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors discuss the establishment of global health governance (GHG), a collective action of formal and informal institutions, norms, and processes that administer health policy influence. The authors state that GHG combats serious global threats in human health including infectious disease, unequal accession of medicine, and antimicrobial resistance. The authors say that GHG will be acquired with accountability, country commitment strengthening, and sectors' collaboration.