Press release
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The World Health Summit brought together more than 4,000 leaders and changemakers from politics, science, civil society, and the private sector over three days to advance solutions for health globally
At a time when international cooperation is under growing pressure, the World Health Summit 2026 sent a clear message: health challenges globally cannot be addressed in isolation. In his virtual remarks at the WHS Signature Event, German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of bridging perspectives and expertise from across countries and sectors: “Bringing together the brightest minds from all over the world and across disciplines, from nurses and policymakers to health industry officials, civil society representatives, and scientists: that is what this platform is all about.”
Under the theme “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health,” the Summit brought together more than 4,000 participants on-site from 130 countries and territories and generated over 50,000 livestream views. More than 400 speakers, including 20 ministers and state secretaries, contributed to 76 sessions.
Discussions addressed urgent health challenges, from the threat of Ebola and other infectious disease outbreaks to the impact of armed conflicts on health services, declining health financing, and climate-related health risks. Participants examined how stronger international cooperation and more resilient health systems can help countries respond to crises and prevent future health emergencies.
“Each infectious disease outbreak reminds us that preparedness is not built during an emergency. Too often, the world responds with urgency during a crisis and then allows attention and investment to fade. The World Health Organization is working with Member States and partners to move beyond this cycle of panic and neglect and build lasting resilience. This means sustaining gains made during past outbreaks and requires sustained and predictable investment for epidemic and pandemic prevention and preparedness. The World Health Summit provides an opportunity to showcase the lessons of today’s outbreaks and turn them into the actions that will protect us tomorrow,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, Director of WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Management.
Major announcements and launches
This year’s Summit provided a platform for new funding commitments, global health initiatives, and the presentation of new data and research:
€250 million Women’s Health Initiative in Bangladesh: The Government of Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank set out plans for a €250 million program to improve women’s health and strengthen district hospitals and critical care services.
US$100 million commitment to prevent stillbirths: The Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap announced a joint commitment to Uzima: A Stillbirth Prevention Program, aiming to demonstrate that stillbirth rates can be reduced by half within a decade in selected countries.
Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health: The Commission identified two threats with the potential to cause human extinction: the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) and nuclear conflict.
Wellcome Global Monitor 2026: Wellcome presented new global findings on public trust in science showing that trust in science has declined compared with levels before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gallup’s State of the World’s Emotional Health 2026 Report: Gallup, in partnership with the World Health Summit, presented new findings on emotional health and well-being, revealing a complex relationship between social media use and well-being that varies by age, time spent online, and geographic location.
Global Preparedness Monitoring Board (GPMB) final report: The GPMB presented its final report, "Getting Ahead of Pandemic Risk: Insights from 8 Years of Global Preparedness Monitoring", outlining key findings on pandemic risk monitoring.
€10 million German contribution to maternal and child health products: The German government pledged €10 million to the Global Financing Facility’s Sustainable Commodities Access Program to improve access to family planning and maternal, newborn, and child health products.
“The World Health Summit builds trust across sectors and borders, creating the conditions for ideas to turn into action. The results can take many forms: from new financing models and research collaborations to policy initiatives and cross-sector alliances. Our role is to convene the right people, enable focused exchange, build lasting connections, and sustain momentum well beyond the three days in Berlin,” said Carsten Schicker, CEO of the World Health Summit.
As discussions concluded, participants emphasized that building resilience requires long-term investment, stronger institutions, and sustained cooperation to prepare for future health challenges. Looking ahead, the next WHS Regional Meeting will take place in Hong Kong, China, in 2027. The World Health Summit 2027 will take place October 10–12, 2027, in Berlin, Germany.
About the World Health Summit
The World Health Summit is the leading platform for global health. Founded in 2009, it brings together stakeholders from politics, science, the private sector, and civil society to set the agenda for a healthier future. The annual Summit is held every October in Berlin, organized by the WHS Foundation GmbH, a 100% subsidiary of Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The Summits are complemented each year by a WHS Regional Meeting held in a different part of the world, where regional health priorities take center stage.
Press Contact
World Health Summit Communications Team
Anna Störmer & Marie Wolf