Shifting Powers: What Does the Future Hold for Global Health Governance?

A changing geopolitical landscape, a decline in Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending, as well as the U.S. withdrawal from global health (GH) institutions, mark a significant turning point in the structure and dynamics of the GH landscape and governance. This shift is likely to accelerate the redistribution of influence among GH actors, bringing profound implications for agenda-setting, policy and decision-making, as well as GH cooperation. These developments bring renewed urgency to a long-standing question: How to transform the current GH ecosystem and its governance to make it fit for purpose?

This session seeks to explore the dynamics which (re-)shape the GH ecosystem - altering traditional alliances and the role of established actors in light of emerging actors and new challenges. We will look into how policy-making is evolving in this changing ecosystem and how shifts impact existing governance frameworks and mandates of GH institutions. Going forward, we will discuss potential pathways towards a future GH ecosystem, including considerations of the United Nations (UN) 80 process. How do we (re-)focus mandates, work collaboratively and have difficult conversations on mergers and “sunsetting” institutions? What role is there for “new” actors?

Join us for a conversation to shape the future of the GH ecosystem and discuss pathways towards an efficient, effective and equitable governance.