Toward global readiness: HARMONIZING CREDENTIALS FOR A BORDERLESS HEALTH WORKFORCE
By 2030, LMICs will face significant challenges due to rapidly aging populations, and at the same time a critical shortage of healthcare workers. This gap poses a significant threat to achieving universal health coverage and responding effectively to public health emergencies. Factors such as aging populations, increasing chronic disease burdens, and workforce migration further intensify the strain on already overburdened health systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a projected shortfall of 11 million health workers by 2030. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated global action, including innovative approaches to training, credentialing, and mobilizing a workforce that is adaptable, well-supported, and equipped to operate across borders.
The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) plays a pivotal role in shaping resilient, high-performing healthcare systems globally. SCFHS is committed to advancing health outcomes by addressing critical workforce challenges including shortages, training gaps, and the need for international harmonization of credentials to ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped, recognized, and ready to meet global health demands. By sharing its innovations, regulatory models, and credentialing mechanisms with the international community, SCFHS looks to build a more connected and capable global health workforce.
Hosted by Devex in partnership with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), this event, “Toward Global Readiness: Harmonizing Credentials for a Borderless Health Workforce” will explore the future of global health through the lens of workforce development and mobility. Discussions will focus on how cross-border credentialing and targeted capacity-building efforts can address the urgent global health workforce shortage while enhancing the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of care.
This high-level convening will serve as a platform to explore the importance of harmonizing health workforce credentials not just as a regulatory mechanism, but as a powerful enabler of workforce empowerment, system efficiency, and cross-border collaboration. Bringing together global health leaders, government officials, professional bodies, educators, and frontline professionals, the event will foster dialogue and collaboration. It aims to produce actionable insights and policy-relevant recommendations that will shape future strategies for credentialing, training, and sustaining a skilled, mobile, and resilient health workforce worldwide.