Introduction: health as a public good in an uncertain world

Few other issues deserve the label of a global public good more than health. As well as an individual human right, the achievement of the highest attainable standard of health is pivotal for the development of cohesive communities and societies, in resource poor countries and wealthy nations alike. The introduction to the book highlights the significant levels of interconnectedness between the SDGs, requiring cross-sector and multilateral cooperation. At the same time the world is increasingly volatile, uncertain, ambiguous and complex, resulting in major challenges for the role of national governments, civil society, and intergovernmental organisations alike. Yet a global governance system built on democratic participation and multilateralism is key to the fulfilment of the SDGs. The Companion seeks to offer critical insights into key cross-cutting issues and a hopeful vision. It includes a diverse set of perspectives from both southern and northern authors and different generations in research and practice.