Under the banner “One World for Health,” the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) convened representatives from Member States and various partners to tackle pressing global health issues. Discussions focused on crucial topics such as the proposed Pandemic Accord, the threat of antimicrobial resistance, climate impacts on health, and the burden of noncommunicable diseases.

A significant highlight was the broader integration of civil society into the decision-making process. “Civil society doesn’t just flag issues—it offers practical, community-rooted solutions,” stated Taina Nakari, WHO’s focal point for civil society engagement. “This enhances trust and ensures the outcomes truly reflect the needs of people everywhere.”

A primary platform advancing this involvement is the WHO Civil Society Commission, created to foster a more organized and inclusive approach to civil society participation in international health governance. This Commission now includes over 400 members—both individuals and organizations—who collaborate on policy contributions, share experiences, and engage in WHO initiatives.

“We’ve cultivated a space that empowers civil society to speak collectively while valuing our differences,” said Lisa Hilmi, Commission Co-Chair and Executive Director of CORE Group.

“Our work goes beyond consultation with WHO,” added Ravi Ram, the other Co-Chair and Medwise Solutions’ Director of Research and Evaluation. “We are reimagining the role of civil society in shaping global health governance frameworks.”

In addition to the Commission’s contributions, WHO facilitated the participation of more than 60 non-State actors—including NGOs, foundations, and professional associations—which collectively delivered over 200 formal statements to Member State delegates. Nearly 50 sanctioned side events further promoted cross-sectoral discussion and cooperation. Though not all participating organizations are part of the Civil Society Commission, their involvement fosters a more transparent and participatory WHO decision-making process.

Among the most impactful events was a senior-level side meeting, “Securing Investments in Global Health: Time for a New Approach,” co-hosted by Save the Children, Medicus Mundi, World Vision, along with Germany’s government. Civil society leaders called for a transformation in global health financing, emphasizing the need to:

• go beyond traditional development aid systems;

• enhance national funding for health services;

• power innovation through multi-sector collaboration;

• and rekindle international cooperation amid declining foreign aid and weakening global alliances.

“We set up this event to highlight that sustainable health financing isn’t just a technical issue—it’s about fairness, accountability, and long-term results,” said Tara Brace-John, Head of Policy, Advocacy and Research at Save the Children Fund. “Civil society voices are vital in crafting health solutions that resonate with the realities on the ground.”

Enhancing Civil Society’s Policy Role

The WHA78 also featured the second installment of the Global Parliamentary Dialogue, where lawmakers worldwide examined the role of parliaments in promoting health through accountable and inclusive governance. During this dialogue, the WHO Civil Society Commission presented its key report: “Civil Society Engagement in the Development of World Health Assembly Resolutions.”

This publication serves as a practical toolkit—complete with checklists and authentic case studies—designed to guide meaningful participation by civil society at every stage of resolution-making.

“This report is grounded in knowledge-sharing and feedback from diverse regions,” noted Kjeld Steenbjerg Hansen, a Commission member and former Chair of the European Lung Foundation (ELF). “It equips Member States with concrete strategies to engage civil society from the outset through to negotiations, demonstrating the added value of open and inclusive policy-making.”

Legislators were encouraged to integrate the report’s recommendations into both national and regional health frameworks, ensuring civil society input shapes policy outcomes at multiple levels.

Extending Engagement Beyond the Assembly

WHO’s commitment to civil society collaboration goes far beyond official meetings. In May 2025, over 500 civil society experts took part in WHO’s Epidemic and Pandemic Intelligence – Information Network (WHO–EPI-WIN) session on avian influenza, receiving vital updates on the public health risks involved. This session provided a space to:

• share timely updates on the outbreak;

• inform civil society groups about WHO’s response strategies;

• explore how these groups can aid emergency interventions;

• and reinforce avenues for partnership.

Similar collaborations took place around several key themes including the Universal Health and Preparedness Review (UHPR), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Interim Medical Countermeasures Platform, the WHO Investment Round, and access to reliable health products. These interactions affirm WHO’s dedication to not only keeping civil society informed, but actively involving them in shaping the future of public health worldwide.

Through their increasingly active role in WHO processes, civil society helps ensure that global health decisions are inclusive, accountable, and responsive—particularly for communities most at risk.