News
Stay informed about the most recent developments, initiatives, and insights from the global World Health Summit network. From groundbreaking partnerships and behind-the-scenes highlights to impactful events and voices shaping the future of global health - this is your gateway to what drives the WHS. Discover how leaders from academia, politics, private sector, and civil society are working together to set the agenda for a healthier, more equitable world.
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WHS Council Welcomes Seven New Members
The World Health Summit is pleased to announce the appointment of seven new members to its Council. Bringing extensive expertise from across sectors and regions, the new members further strengthen the Council’s global and multidisciplinary perspective.
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Launching the WHS Health & Science Diplomacy Working Group: Mobilizing Evidence and Cooperation for Collective Global Health Action
Bringing together more than 17 experts across 11 WHS Academic Alliance member institutions representing countries across geopolitical blocs, with the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut serving as secretariat.
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Trailblazers with Garry: a conversation with Axel Pries
Axel R. Pries, President of the World Health Summit, joined Garry Aslanyan on the Global Health Matters podcast series Trailblazers with Garry for an in-depth conversation on today’s evolving global health landscape.
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High-level Symposium on Academic Responsibility in a Fragmenting World
The high-level symposium, co-hosted by the World Health Summit with the Manipal Academy for Higher Education (MAHE), marking the launch of the WHS Academic Alliance and the Lancet Commission on Academic Responsibility.
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New WHS Academic Alliance Working Group: Oral Health and General Health
The WHS Academic Alliance launched its first Working Group on Oral Health and General Health. Bringing together more than 30 experts across 12 WHS Academic Alliance member institutions from around the world, with Sapienza University of Rome serving as coordinator, the group focuses on strengthening the link between oral health and overall health.
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Remembering Dr. William H. Foege: A Pioneer of Global Health and Smallpox Eradication
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. William H. Foege, a global health pioneer and leader in the global effort that culminated in the eradication of smallpox. In a video shown at WHS 2023, he reflects on what it took to defeat smallpox and why progress in global health depends on partnership, trust, and reaching people in every setting.
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From crisis to resilience: five global health shifts to watch in 2026
WHS CEO Carsten Schicker looks ahead to the year 2026 and identifies five major shifts set to shape the global health landscape. From the restructuring of global governance under UN80 and the future of pandemic preparedness, to changing power dynamics, new models of public–private collaboration, and growing pressure on scientific integrity, the piece outlines the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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2025: A roller-coaster year for global health
2025 was marked by deeply contradictory developments in global health. In her commentary, WHS Council Chair Ilona Kickbusch outlines the three key trends that defined the year and offers an analysis of the state of global health in 2025.
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High-Level Roundtable Discussion on Europe’s Role in Reshaping the Global Health Architecture
The high-level roundtable, jointly organized by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the World Health Summit in Berlin, provided a strategic and confidential forum for dialogue among senior decision-makers.
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Elevating Youth Engagement at WHS 2025
At the World Health Summit 2025, young leaders and emerging voices played a central role in shaping this year’s discussions. Through supporting the participation of youth groups and stipend recipients from around the globe, the World Health Summit Foundation brought fresh perspectives, lived experiences, and new energy into the global health dialogue.
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Carsten Schicker on Cross-Sector Collaboration for Global Health
Carsten Schicker on Cross-Sector Collaboration for Global Health in an interview with MedEdge MEA.
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COP30 in Belém: Incremental steps in a divided world and the consequences for global health
COP30 in Belém highlighted the challenges of advancing global climate action amid geopolitical divisions. In this analysis, WHS CEO Carsten Schicker examines the incremental progress made, the implications for global health, and the urgent need for stronger, health-centered climate solutions.
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“This year’s G20 summit still offers an opening: an opportunity to build new bridges to overcome contradictions and find new consensus.”
In his new article, our president Axel R. Pries reflects on the urgent task of bridging divides at a time when collective action is essential for our health, our climate, and our shared prosperity.
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WHS Academic Alliance Declaration in Nature Medicine
In this official WHS Academic Alliance Declaration, members of the WHS Academic Alliance, including WHS President Prof. Dr. Axel R. Pries, highlight the importance of free science and global partnerships to achieve worldwide health goals.
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New WHS Academic Alliance Working Group Launched at World Health Summit 2025
The first WHS Academic Alliance Working Group was officially launched in collaboration with UNICEF and Blockchain for Impact (BFI), with NIMS University (India) serving as the central secretariat.
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WHS Regional Meeting baton moves from New Delhi to Nairobi
As tradition, the Opening Night marked the handover of the WHS International Presidency. Following the successful Regional Meeting 2025 in New Delhi, Balvir S. Tomar (NIMS University) passed the baton to Lukoye Atwoli (Aga Khan University), as the community looked ahead to the 2026 Regional Meeting in Nairobi.
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Health: A Political Choice. The Future of Health in a Fractured World
"Without the willingness of politicians, health providers at all levels and the public to accept evidence provided by trusted sources on a solid factual basis jointly, global health suffers severe consequences” - Axel R.Pries
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"This year’s edition of the World Health Summit is taking place at a turning point for global health"
A Message from Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, and Patron of the World Health Summit 2025
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"Health is not a cost to be contained. It is an investment to be nurtured – an investment in people, stability and economic growth."
A Letter from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Patron of the World Health Summit 2025
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The WHS Academic Alliance shapes not only the Global Health Agenda but also the #WHS2025 Program
We are proud to announce that the WHS Academic Alliance will be co-hosting 11 sessions at the upcoming World Health Summit 2025.
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"As our world navigates shared challenges, the call to take responsibility for the common good has become more urgent than ever"
A message from Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor of Germany and Patron of the World Health Summit 2025.
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A tree for every WHS 2025 participant
For every participant of the World Health Summit 2025, a tree is planted in Uganda through our ongoing partnership with Tree Adoption Uganda. The trees are planted at health facilities and part of a broader initiative that includes training for community health workers on the intersection of climate and health.
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5 Reasons to join the WHS 2025
🌍 Connect with global leaders 🤝 Shape global health policy 💡 Gain cutting- edge insights ✨ Become part of a community that lasts 🏙️ Enjoy the buzz of Berlin
Three key issues to be tackled in global health
Ilona Kickbusch, Global Health Centre founder, identifies three key challenges, while warning that a narrow focus on diseases overlooks deeper structural issues.
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WHS President Axel Pries Joins Academic Advisory Board of NIMS University
WHS President Prof. Dr. Axel Radlach Pries was appointed to the Academic Advisory Board of the Institute of Public Health and Governance at NIMS University in Jaipur, India.
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Civil Society Organizations applications to co-host VIP Dialogues at WHS 2025
The World Health Summit offers one civil society organization the chance to co-host a free 90-minute VIP Dialogue at WHS 2025 in Berlin - Applications are now closed.
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New Commentary: Strategic Pathways for Health Cooperation in the Global South
A new commentary, developed from discussions at the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2025 in New Delhi, has been published. It identifies five strategic pathways for reimagining health cooperation in the Global South.
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WHS CEO Carsten Schicker on Global Health Leadership – New Podcast Episode
Carsten Schicker, CEO of the World Health Summit, is featured in a new episode of the Analyzing Healthcare podcast by ScaleHealth.
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Youth Group Opportunity to Attend WHS 2025 - Applications are now closed
Apply for free tickets for youth groups interested in attending in Berlin from October 12–14, 2025.
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WHS Team Event 2025
We collaborate, exchange ideas, challenge each other, and turn visions into action. But just as importantly, we laugh and stick together as a team. To keep this team spirit alive, we regularly take time to strengthen our bond. And what better day to do so than getting creative?
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Celebrating 150 Years of WHS Academic Alliance Member Fiocruz
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), one of the world's most respected institutions in public health research and innovation.
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Joint Call on Migrant and Refugee Health endorsed by WHS Academic Alliance
The WHS Academic Alliance is proud to support the Joint Call on Reinforcing the Commitment to Addressing Migration & Health, jointly with the Virchow Foundation and various other partners.
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G7 Summit Canada: Opinion Piece "Taking Responsibility for Health in a Fragmenting World"
“A healthy population forms the basis for workforce productivity, social stability, and long-term growth,” highlights WHS President Axel R. Pries in his opinion piece in the Global Governance Project publication.
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Podcast Innovatively Thinking: WHS President Axel R. Pries on Prevention
On DPU's podcast, the World Health Summit President shares his insights on why prevention is more urgent than ever and whether or not we need to rethink our approach to health.
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WHA 78 Recap: Reflections from Our CEO on the Future of Global Health
After an insightful week at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, our CEO Carsten Schicker took a moment to reflect on where global health stands today.
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That was the 78th World Health Assembly #WHA78
Our days in Geneva were not only packed with preparations for our side event but also with handshakes, hallway chats, and high-level conversations. From ministers to researchers, we met inspiring people, heard bold ideas, and gathered plenty of food for thought.
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WHS Side Event at the 78th World Health Assembly
During the 78th World Health Assembly #WHA78 in Geneva, the World Health Summit hosted its first-ever side event focusing on multilateralism, power shifts, governance challenges, and global health solutions.
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WHS Regional Meeting 2026: Looking Ahead to Nairobi
The WHS Regional Meeting 2026 is heading to Kenya’s capital. In partnership with the Aga Khan University East Africa, it will bring together global health leaders to explore health solutions.
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WHS Global Health Dialogue on One Health
Our most recent WHS Global Health Dialogue with the theme "Advancing One Health: Digital Solution for Global Health Security" took place on May 13.
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"Think Global, Fund Global" - WHS Opinion Piece in the Global Solutions Journal
Find out about our session "Health as a pathway to prosperity" at the Global Solutions Summit, looking at how strong health systems and equitable access can drive long-term economic growth.
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Young Leaders in Global Health Award
The Young Leaders in Global Health Award recognized emerging leaders making impactful contributions to global health in academia. Meet our Awardees at the WHS Regional Meeting 2025.
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World Health Summit 2025 Stipend Program
The World Health Summit will be offering travel and accommodation stipends for individuals from LMICs and lived experience voices to participate in this year's WHS in Berlin.
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Host a Side Meeting at WHS 2025 - Call for Youth and Civil Society
The World Health Summit will make a total of six side meetings available to be hosted by successful applicant youth and civil society organizations.
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America First – and What Comes Next? Risks and Opportunities for Germany and Europe
Opinion Piece by WHS President Axel R. Pries in Tagesspiegel Background
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The New Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security Report
Many people lack access to safe, quality, affordable medical oxygen. This contributes to preventable deaths and reduces quality of life, according to a recent report released by The Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security.
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The Lancet Regional Health Europe Commission on Health, Migration, and Climate Change: The European Context
The WHS Academic Alliance and The Lancet launched a joint Commission on Health, Migration, and Climate Change, co-chaired by Luciano Saso and Stephen Matlin, in 2024.
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Media Coverage
Explore a selection of articles, interviews and features highlighting discussions, outcomes and perspectives from WHS 2025 and beyond.