WHO calls on parliamentarians to join the Global Parliamentary Forum on 20 May at the Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva. The Forum is being jointly organized by WHO and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), underscoring their vital role in advancing the WHO Pandemic Agreement and strengthening sustainable financing for health.
In a recorded message delivered at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that parliamentarians are central to translating global commitments into national action.
“Your participation is essential. It connects decisions taken in Geneva with action at the national level – through legislation, budgeting and accountability,” he said.
The Global Parliamentary Forum provides a dedicated annual platform for parliamentarians to enhance parliamentary engagement at the Health Assembly and discuss global health priorities with key health stakeholders.
Taking place at a pivotal moment, the Forum will allow interactive dialogue between parliamentarians and WHO leadership, focusing on the role of parliamentarians in advancing the Pandemic Agreement and ensuring more predictable and sustainable financing for health at both national and global level.
“We strongly encourage you to join your national delegation at the World Health Assembly and take an active role in this Forum. Together, we can turn global commitments into real impact for people’s health,” said Dr Tedros.
The event will be open to members of parliament attending the WHA79 as part of their national delegations, as well as WHO Member State representatives, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders and partners.