The complex nature of contemporary public health issues requires a multidisciplinary public health workforce, including professionals from various backgrounds who have been sensitized to the public health approach. In many countries, the field has traditionally been led by medical doctors who undergo further training in preventive branches of medicine such as epidemiology, hygiene, social medicine, biostatistics, or more recently, Global and One Health. Other countries have separate public health education programs independent of medical studies, offering various graduate and postgraduate courses. Over the years, efforts have been made to define the essential skills of public health professionals, led by organizations like the World Health Organization and the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER). These competencies continue to expand, necessitating more investment in public health infrastructure and training. The current lack of recognition, competitiveness, and appeal of a career in public health is leading to a restriction of the necessary build-up of qualified professionals. Many countries anticipate a shortage of public health workers due to an aging workforce, increased demand, and difficulties in attracting and training new professionals (3). The COVID-19 pandemic and severe climate events highlight the crucial role of the public health workforce in effective disaster management and preparedness, prompting decision-makers to take notice. It is the responsibility of the public health community to lead this effort and shape the future of the profession. Lessons from the last decades transfer to us several key points underlining the need for improved communication skills as well as the need for enhanced public health brokering roles for decision-makers and the general public.