Public Health Infrastructure & Learning Laboratory for AI Readiness: Launch Event

A South-South learning exchange to build the public health foundations we need for AI solutions to improve health outcomes for all.

Public Health Infrastructure & Learning Laboratory for AI Readiness (PILLARs) is a peer-driven, South–South learning exchange to strengthen the public health systems, policies and practices required for AI-enabled public health intelligence, innovation and impact.

The 2026 World Health Assembly presents an opportunity to build momentum for action and will serve as the inaugural meeting of PILLARs. This first gathering on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva will bring together ministries of health and information technology, regional public health organizations, and partners from across the Global South to: Launch the final Global South edition of Foundations & Futures and distill its key cross-regional lessons on the foundations required for responsible AI adoption in public health.

Highlight practical country and regional experience in building the systems that make AI useful, trusted and actionable in public health practice. Initiate PILLARs as an ongoing South–South learning exchange, creating and shaping a platform for continued collaboration, peer learning and practical exchange.