Paul Zubeil

Paul Zubeil is Deputy Director-General for European and International Health Politics at the German Federal Ministry of Health, where he leads Germany’s engagement in both EU health politics and multilateral health cooperation. He advances strategic efforts to strengthen multilateral health governance, reinforce pandemic preparedness, and support the transformation of the global health architecture. With over two decades of experience in international public service, including senior roles at the United Nations, he has worked across regions to support resilient health systems, improve access to essential services, and respond to cross-border health threats. He leads the design and implementation of Germany’s international health strategies, including cooperation with WHO, UNAIDS, the EU and the G7/G20 health tracks. Building on his work as Germany's representative on the UNAIDS High Level Panel, he remains actively engaged in advancing a responsible transformation of the Joint Programme. He advocates for reform that preserves its essential functions while strengthening accountability, country ownership and institutional effectiveness. His work is guided by the conviction that inclusive leadership must be matched by a greater willingness to assume responsibility, and that Germany's contribution to global health should extend beyond financial support to include ideas, political engagement and a more visible role in shaping international health policy.