Powerful currents referred to as megatrends are reshaping our world: ageing populations, the growing climate crisis, strong commercial interests, rising inequalities and rapid advances in digital technologies, among others.

To inform the second European Programme of Work, 2026–2030 (EPW2), WHO/Europe hosted a series of 5 online hearings in the first quarter of 2025. Open to all, these hearings gathered diverse perspectives and proposals on how to address the megatrends impacting health and health equity across the WHO European Region until and beyond 2030. Over 5000 experts, decision-makers, Member State and civil society representatives, and others with an interest in health contributed to the discussions. Their insights have been captured in a “Futures Paper” that will complement the EPW2 policy document.

Although the public sessions have now ended, you can stay informed about the development of EPW2 by subscribing to WHO/Europe’s monthly news highlights.

For further information, please write to epw2@who.int

 

Upcoming dates

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  • Thirty-second Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe, fourth meeting to review the second draft of EPW2
    1 July 2025
  • Thirty-second Standing Committee of the Regional Committee for Europe, fifth meeting to approve the finalized version of EPW2
    15 October 2025
  • 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe – EPW2 put to Member States for adoption
    28–30 October 2025