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DTSTART:20250521T093000Z
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SUMMARY:Advancing Global Health: Science Agenda for the World Health Assembly (WHA)
DESCRIPTION:
\nA WHA78 Side event
\nPAST EVENT
\nClick for CONCLUSIONS OF THE EVENT
\nGALLERY
\nThis side event will explore how inclusive science and research can better contribute to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) agenda, with a focus on partnerships, investment, and capacity building.
\nTaking place in May 2025, the WHA offers a crucial opportunity to highlight the role of science and research in advancing global health priorities. The Assembly’s agenda underscores the urgency of accelerating progress toward universal health coverage (UHC), addressing health inequities, tackling both emerging communicable and non-communicable diseases, and strengthening health systems worldwide.
\nAchieving these goals depends on harnessing scientific advancements and fostering cross-disciplinary innovation. Over the past decade, science and research have played a pivotal role in improving health outcomes through the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures. Yet, to fully realize the ambitious health targets outlined in the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 on good health and well-being, stronger collaboration is essential to effectively translate scientific knowledge into policy and practice.
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\nAgenda – 21st May 2025
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\n11:30 – 12:30| Opening Remarks
\nModerator: Clive Cookson, Senior Science Writer, Financial Times
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\nWelcome remarks: Declan Kirrane, Chairman, Science Summit alongside UN Nations General Assembly
\nKeynote: Dr. Victor Dzau, President, United States National Academy of Medicine
\nKeynote: Prof Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO, Medical Research Council, South Africa
\nDr John-Arne Røttingen, CEO, Wellcome. UK
\nProf Hanh Vu Vietnam National University, Hanoi
\nDr John Murphy, CEO, Nuvance Health
\nDr Shelly Malhotra, Vice President of Global Access and External Affairs, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), USA
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\nQ&A
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\n12:30 – 13:10 | Scene-Setting Presentation
\nImportance of aligning WHA discussions with global financing efforts, including the UN Financing for Development Conference (FfD4).
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\nChallenges in Global Health Financing to Reach the Global Targets 
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\nOsamu Kunii, The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, Japan
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\nOverview of global progress in health research and innovation.
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\nMathilde Forslund, Transform Health, USA
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\nHow science has contributed to pandemic response, UHC, and equity.
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\nProf Mohamed Janabi, Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
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\nAn EU Perspective. 
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\nJan Paehler, DG Research, European Commission
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\nScience Capacity
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\nDr Symerre Grey-Johnson, Director of Social Development: Human Capital and Institutional Development, African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), South Africa
\nQ&A
\n13:10 – 13:40 | Panel 1: How Science Matters for Global Health
\nModerator: Prof Rita Lawlor, University of Verona
\n🔹 Focus Areas:
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\nInnovations in Health Research – Examples of breakthrough diagnostics, treatments, and health delivery models.
\nPandemic Preparedness and Response – Lessons from COVID-19, future readiness strategies.
\nTranslational Research – Bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact.
\nGlobal Partnerships – Role of international collaborations in scaling up innovation.
\nEquity in Research – Ensuring all communities benefit from scientific advancements.
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\n🎙️ Panellists
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\nMs Natasha Sunderji, Accenture, USA
\nProf. Elena Ladas, Sid and Helaine Lerner Professor for Global Integrative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, USA
\nProf Lise Kosten, CEO, African Academy of Sciences, South Africa
\nDr Lydia Boudarène, Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking, Belgium
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\n13:40 – 13:55 | Keynote: How science can influence policy, 
\nBen Johnson, Chief Editor, Nature Health
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\n13:55 – 14:30 | Panel 2: Health Research and the UN Financing for Development Conference (FfD4)
\nModerator: Rita Lawlor
\n🔹 Focus Areas:
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\nHow financing for development aligns with health research priorities.
\nScaling up investment in research for global health security.
\nTransparency in funding and equitable access to innovation.
\nPublic-private partnerships and innovative financing models.
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\n🎙️ Panellists 
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\nProf. Kurt Zatloukal, Medical University Graz, Austria
\nDr Gene Bukhman, Center for Integration Science in Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, USA
\nDr Priya Agrawal, Health Equity and Partnerships, MSD International
\nDr. Zisis Kozlakidis, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), WHO, France
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\n14:20 – 14:40 | Health Equity and Resilience: Aligning Investment for UHC, Innovation and Climate Action
\n🔹Themes:
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\nSecuring Financing for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
\nStrengthening Health Systems and Resilience
\nAddressing Inequalities in Health Access
\nAligning Health Financing with Climate Action
\nSupporting Research and Innovation Through Strategic Investments
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\n🎙️ Panellists
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\nDr. Ralf Sudbrak, Global AMR R&D Hub, Germany
\nMs. Eudy Mabuza, Senior Science and Innovation Representative , Embassy of South Africa in Brussels
\nMr. Brian O’Connor, ECH Alliance, UK
\nMr. Frédéric Destrebecq European Brain Council, Belgium
\nProf Tom Kariuki, Science for Africa Foundation
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\nQ&A
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\n14:40 – 15:00 | Closing Remarks
\nSummary of key takeaways:
\nProf Rita Lawlor, University of Verona, Italy
\nDr Bulat Ziganshin, Nuvance, USA
\nCall to Action: Strengthen partnerships, invest in research, and integrate science into policy.
\nQ&A
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\n15:00 Conclusion
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\nObjectives
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\nThe session aims to:
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\n– Highlight the role of science and research in shaping global health policies and advancing the WHA agenda, including UHC and health equity.
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\n– Showcase successful examples where scientific innovations have significantly impacted health outcomes, including the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, breakthroughs in precision medicine, and progress in combating neglected tropical diseases.
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\n– Discuss strategies to enhance investment in health research, especially in low- and middle-income countries, to build resilient health systems capable of addressing current and future challenges.
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\n– Promote the integration of scientific evidence into decision-making processes at national, regional, and global levels, ensuring that the latest research findings inform health policies.
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\n– Strengthen collaborations between stakeholders, including governments, academia, industry, and civil society, to accelerate the translation of research into practice.
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\nExpected Outcomes
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\nEnhanced understanding of the critical role that science and research play in advancing the WHA agenda and global health priorities.
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\nActionable recommendations for strengthening investments in health research and integrating scientific evidence into policymaking.
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\nIncreased momentum for building research capacity in low- and middle-income countries, emphasising inclusive and sustainable approaches.
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\nStronger partnerships across sectors to accelerate the translation of scientific advancements into health policies and practices.
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\nTarget Audience
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\nThe session is intended for WHA delegates, policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), industry leaders, and other stakeholders committed to advancing global health through science and innovation.
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\nKey Messages
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\n– Science and research are pivotal in achieving global health goals and driving progress in diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures.
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\n– Investing in health research is crucial for building resilient healthcare systems that respond to existing and emerging health threats.
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\n– Global collaboration and partnerships are essential for translating scientific discoveries into effective health interventions and policies.
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\n– Equity in scientific advancement ensures that research benefits all populations, particularly those in underserved regions.
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\nPartners and Collaborators
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\nThe session will be organised in collaboration with leading academic and research institutions, international funding agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organisations.
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\nConclusion
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\nIntegrating science and research into the WHA agenda is vital for realising the vision of health for all. By showcasing the transformative impact of scientific innovation, this session aims to inspire action, foster collaboration, and promote evidence-based approaches to global health challenges. 
\nThe 78th WHA presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the role of science and research in shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all.
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\nPartnership opportunities are available for this event, including options to participate as a speaker or sponsor. If you’re interested in playing a more prominent role, please reach out to us at info@sciencesummitnyc.org
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URL:https://sciencesummitnyc.org/events/advancing-global-health-science-agenda-for-the-world-health-assembly-wha/
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CATEGORIES:Health
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