WHS Global Health Dialogues

The WHS Global Health Dialogues bring together thought-leaders and decision-makers throughout the year to discuss a wide range of global health issues in an exclusive and intimate setting. By taking on a political-strategic focal point, the Global Health Dialogues are developed in the context of relevant global health events like the G7/G20 conferences or UN High-Level meetings, putting global health on the agenda of international politics, and complementing the central topics of the World Health Summit.

"Bridging the Trust Deficit – Trust in Science"

In the final WHS Global Health Dialogue on the issue of “Trust” leading up to the World Health Summit 2024, high-level representatives from academia, media, politics, civil society and the private sector came together to debate how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed both the vital role science plays in shaping public policy and the uncertainties that fueled public confusion and skepticism. 

The discussion emphasized the need for a scientific code of conduct that would ensure greater transparency and consistency in communicating findings, in addition to maintaining high standards in media coverage. Participants underscored the importance of coordinated efforts between scientists and the media to build trust in the public, particularly among those with unsettled opinions. 

Science is essential in countering the rise of alternative facts and misinformation campaigns. Participants stressed the importance of engaging the public in a way that acknowledges the complexities of scientific research without oversimplifying. In this context, pro-active science communication, leaving less room for populist voices, and addressing the public through non-traditional media are key elements in bridging the gap between the scientific community and the public, fostering trust, and countering skepticism. 

"Towards Sustainable Financing - The WHO Investment Round"

All for Health, Health for All – an update on the WHO 25-28 strategy and investment round

Spurred by the need to accelerate progress towards the health-related Sustainable Development Goals in an unstable world with profound implications for health, this year’s World Health Organization investment round is a key moment to move WHO’s finances towards more predictability and flexibility. The World Health Summit created an intimate setting for representatives to gain valuable insights on WHO’s first investment round from Catharina Boehme, Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Governance.

At the 77^th World Health Assembly in Geneva, WHO will launch a strategy that aims to help billions of people lead a healthy life. To achieve its ambitious goals for a healthier world and deliver the tangible outcomes, WHO is looking to diversify its donor basis, establish longer-term financing, and create more flexibility in the use of its fund

With high-level representatives from various German ministries and European embassies present, Catharina Boehme stressed the importance of regional champions, and in particular the support of “Team Europe”, in this novel path towards sustainable financing for WHO. “Deep divides run through the world we live in today, as we are experiencing in the pandemic accord negotiations. This investment round can help build important bridges across these divides as we come together in a common understanding of health as an investment towards healthy, equal and fair societies,” she highlighted.

"Bridging the Trust Deficit: Trust in Governments, Institutions and International Cooperation"

In partnership with The Global Governance Project and Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs