Transforming the Future: Ending Preventable Maternal and Child Deaths

Women, children, and youth remain disproportionately affected by systemic inequities that limit their access to quality healthcare, their voice in health governance, and the full realization of their rights. Despite measurable global progress, persistent gaps—driven by gender discrimination, poverty, and structural exclusion — continue to undermine health outcomes and limit human potential. Closing these gaps is not a matter of charity, but of justice.

This session examines how health systems and policymakers can move from rights-based commitments to rights-based realities. Bringing together political leaders, global health experts, academic voices from the Global South, and private sector innovators, the discussion will examine structural barriers in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, mental health, and youth participation in health decision-making.

Speakers will highlight evidence-based strategies, policy lessons, and cross-sectoral partnerships that have shown impact, while also reflecting on persistent challenges. Central to the discussion is a critical shift in perspective: women, children, and young people must be recognized not as passive beneficiaries, but as rights-holders and co-creators of more inclusive, equitable, and accountable health systems.