WHO Global Forum: Uniting Scientific Networks for Global Health Action

The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded the first Global Forum of Collaborating Centres on April 9, 2026, in Lyon, France. This historic gathering brought together representatives from more than 800 institutions designated as WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) across more than 80 countries to strengthen scientific and technical collaboration.

The forum, held under the theme Collaborating for a Healthier Future, took place on the sidelines of the One Health Summit 2026. In-person sessions were conducted at the WHO Academy and the Village Implid at Matmut Stadium. The event served as a central component of the World Health Day 2026 campaign, which was marked on April 7, 2026, under the theme Together for health. Stand with science.

Strategic Goals and the GPW 14 Roadmap

The primary objective of the Global Forum was to optimize the contributions of Collaborating Centres toward the Fourteenth General programme of Work (GPW 14) and the broader Health for All agenda. The forum aimed to create a shared roadmap that explicitly links the activities of these centres to GPW 14 priorities while identifying critical gaps in current global health initiatives.

Participants worked to expand collaborative networks to better address emerging global health risks. This included establishing a shared vision and a commitment to engage partnerships that can reinforce the delivery of health services. The network’s goal is to move beyond rigid, isolated scientific projects toward more dynamic and integrated partnerships.

The Evolution of the Collaborating Centres Network

The system of Collaborating Centres is rooted in the constitutional functions of the WHO. In 1949, the Second World Health Assembly established the principle that the WHO should advance health research by coordinating and leveraging the expertise of existing global institutions rather than creating its own international research bodies.

Over the past 77 years, this network has grown into a global community of academic, technical, and public health institutions. These centres provide the WHO with strategic, scientific, and technical support at global, regional, and country levels, contributing expertise in research, training, laboratory services, and technical advice.

WHO’s network of collaborating centres is an immensely valuable but under-utilized resource for global health. It brings together the world’s leading institutions to translate evidence into action to support countries, strengthen health systems, and protect populations. Collaborating centres are a powerful demonstration of international cooperation, and what it means to stand with science.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

Addressing Emerging Threats and Disease X

During the forum, scientists highlighted the health threats emerging from a fragmented global landscape, citing challenges fueled by geopolitical tensions, shifting demographics, environmental degradation, and climate impacts. These factors contribute to strained health systems and the rise of diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential.

To confront these threats, the WHO is expanding its community of Collaborating Centres through the creation of Collaborative Open Research Consortia (CORC). These consortia are networks of leading research institutions that mobilize thousands of scientists worldwide.

The mission of CORC is to accelerate the development of treatments, diagnostics, and vaccines for Disease X, a term used to describe an unknown pathogen that could potentially trigger the next pandemic. This initiative is designed to build scientific readiness before such a crisis occurs.

Science is at the heart of everything we do to protect and improve health. The global network of WHO collaborating centres represents an extraordinary concentration of scientific expertise and public health leadership. Together, they form a powerful force for knowledge, innovation, and action. At a time of growing global health challenges, this spirit of trusted scientific collaboration is not only valuable — it is indispensable to protecting lives and shaping a healthier future for all.

Dr Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist

Sustainability and Future Cooperation

Forum participants emphasized that strong international cooperation is essential, particularly as global health financing faces reductions. The consensus among experts was that collective investment and coordinated global responses are critical to prevent local health crises from escalating into global emergencies.

The WHO has announced that the next Global Forum will be held in 2027 to continue strengthening this collaborative platform and monitoring the progress of the shared roadmap established in Lyon.