Advancing Global Health: Science Agenda for the World Health Assembly (WHA)

A WHA78 Side event

This 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.

Taking 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.

Achieving 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.

Agenda – 21st May 2025

11:30 – 11:50| Opening Remarks

• Moderator: Clive Cookson, Senior Science Writer, Financial Times
• Welcome remarks: Declan Kirrane, Chairman, Science Summit at UN Nations General Assembly
• Keynote Speaker 1: Sir Jeremy Farrar, Chief Scientist, WHO, Switzerland (TBC)
• Keynote Speaker 2: Dr John Murphy, CEO, Nuvance Health

11:50 – 12:20 | Scene-Setting Presentation

• Importance of aligning WHA discussions with global financing efforts, including the UN Financing for Development Conference (FfD4). Osamu Kunii, The Global Health Innovative Technology Fund, Japan
• Overview of global progress in health research and innovation. Mathilde Forslund, Transform Health, USA
• How science has contributed to pandemic response, UHC, and equity. Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO Medical Research, South Africa
• An EU Perspective. Jan Paehler, DG Research, European Commission

12:20 – 13:10 | Panel 1: How Science Matters for Global Health

🔹 Focus Areas:

1. Innovations in Health Research – Examples of breakthrough diagnostics, treatments, and health delivery models.
2. Pandemic Preparedness and Response – Lessons from COVID-19, future readiness strategies.
3. Translational Research – Bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact.
4. Global Partnerships – Role of international collaborations in scaling up innovation.
5. Equity in Research – Ensuring all communities benefit from scientific advancements.

🎙️ Panellists

• Harold Varmus, WHO Science Council, Noble Laureate (Invited)
• Micheal Makanga, Executive Director of the Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking
• Gene Bukhman, Center for Integration Science in Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, USA
• Natasha Sunderji, Accenture, USA

Keynote How science can influence health policy Ben Johnson, Chief Editor, Nature Health

13:10 – 14:00 | Panel 2: Health Research and the UN Financing for Development Conference (FfD4)

Moderator: Rita Lawlor

🔹 Focus Areas:

• How financing for development aligns with health research priorities.
• Scaling up investment in research for global health security.
• Transparency in funding and equitable access to innovation.
• Public-private partnerships and innovative financing models.

🎙️ Panellists

• Kurt Zatloukal, Medical University Graz, Austria
• Lise Kosten, African Academy of Sciences, South Africa
• Sania Nishtar, GAVI
• Edward Kwakwa, World Intellectual Property Organization, WIPO, Switzerland

14:00 – 14:30 | Interactive Q&A Session

• Themes:
  • Securing Financing for Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
  • Strengthening Health Systems and Resilience
  • Addressing Inequalities in Health Access
  • Aligning Health Financing with Climate Action
  • Supporting Research and Innovation Through Strategic Investments

👥 Audience Participation:

Open-floor discussion with panellists and key stakeholders.

• Brian O’Connor, ECH Alliance
• Eudy Mabuza, Senior Science and Innovation Representative , Embassy of South Africa in Brussels
• Frédéric Destrebecq European Brain Council, Belgium
• Ralk Sudbrack, Global AMR R&D Hub, Germany

14:30 – 14:50 | Closing Remarks

• Summary of key takeaways Rita Lawlor
• Call to Action: Strengthen partnerships, invest in research, and integrate science into policy.
• Closing Speaker: Victor Tzau, President, National Academy of Medicine, USA

15:00 Conclusion

Objectives

The session aims to:

– Highlight the role of science and research in shaping global health policies and advancing the WHA agenda, including UHC and health equity.

– 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.

– 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.

– 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.

– Strengthen collaborations between stakeholders, including governments, academia, industry, and civil society, to accelerate the translation of research into practice.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced understanding of the critical role that science and research play in advancing the WHA agenda and global health priorities.

• Actionable recommendations for strengthening investments in health research and integrating scientific evidence into policymaking.

• Increased momentum for building research capacity in low- and middle-income countries, emphasising inclusive and sustainable approaches.

• Stronger partnerships across sectors to accelerate the translation of scientific advancements into health policies and practices.

Target Audience

The 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.

Key Messages

– Science and research are pivotal in achieving global health goals and driving progress in diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures.

– Investing in health research is crucial for building resilient healthcare systems that respond to existing and emerging health threats.

– Global collaboration and partnerships are essential for translating scientific discoveries into effective health interventions and policies.

– Equity in scientific advancement ensures that research benefits all populations, particularly those in underserved regions.

Partners and Collaborators

The session will be organised in collaboration with leading academic and research institutions, international funding agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organisations.

Conclusion

Integrating 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.

The 78th WHA presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the role of science and research in shaping a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Partnership 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