WHA78 Global Parliamentary Dialogue – The critical role of parliamentarians in moving the WHA priorities forward, including the pandemic agreement and sustainable financing for global health
The World Health Assembly (WHA) Parliamentary Dialogue, led by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), is a dedicated platform for parliamentary engagement at the WHA that offers the opportunity for sustained dialogue and shared learning. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical role of parliaments in shaping resilient health systems, ensuring accountability, and of parliamentary action in advancing global health priorities. Key priorities regarding the future of the global health architecture will be discussed at WHA78, in particular the Pandemic Agreement and sustainable financing for health. The upcoming WHA will take the final decision on the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement instrument under Article 19 of the World Health Organization (WHO) Constitution, as well as key decisions on the gradual increase of Member States assessed contributions and on sustainable financing for global health. The event will provide updates and stimulate discussion among and between parliamentarians and other health stakeholders on the role of parliaments in taking the said issues forward. As we prepare for the next phase of the Pandemic Agreement and grapple with the need for sustainable financing for health, active parliamentary engagement is more important than ever to ensure the global health commitments translate into policies and legislative actions at national level. The event will be open to members of parliament attending the WHA as members of their national delegations, WHO Member State representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders and partners attending the WHA78.
Objectives:
- Actively engage parliamentarians in WHA processes and elevate their role in global health governance
- Promote concrete parliamentary actions on key global health priorities
- Mobilize support for the implementation of the Pandemic Agreement and for sustainable financing in health