Sustainable Financing for Global Health and the World Health Organization

In a world plagued by multiple crises and the pressing issue of limited resources, this session will delve into the very heart of the matter: financing the World Health Organization (WHO) in a manner that is both cohesive and sustainable. The pandemic highlighted WHO’s longstanding challenge of sustainable financing. The Organizations ability to make an impact is limited by a funding model in which only 14% of WHO’s funding is fully flexible and predictable. Remaining funds are dependent on a few donors, heavily earmarked and arrive at unpredictable times. Join us as we explore innovative ideas to mobilize enhanced and well-structured financing, including increasing Assessed Contributions (ACs) and introducing a new financing mechanism.

During the recent World Health Assembly in May 2023, WHO’s historic budget for 2024-25, featuring a remarkable first 20% increase in ACs and a possible new financing mechanism, an investment round was approved. After several decades without change, this increase marks a radical shift that paves the way towards a more sustainably financed Organization.

The inaugural investment round is scheduled for the end of 2024, which will be followed by subsequent rounds. The details of this new financing mechanism will be negotiated in close consultation with Member States during the WHO Executive Board Meeting in January 2024.

This session is an exclusive opportunity to discuss together a new era in global health financing, ensuring WHO's independency, financial stability and empowering it to effectively address global health challenges.