Event highlights
Working with non-State actors essential to co-develop EPW2
21 January 2025 – A total of 94 representatives from 78 non-State actor (NSA) organizations took part in dynamic discussions on the critical health megatrends impacting the WHO European Region during a virtual consultation on 16 January 2025. These powerful currents include climate change and other environmental issues, ageing and demographic shifts, noncommunicable diseases and mental health, technological advancements and health systems, and health security.
These discussions will inform the development of the second European Programme of Work, 2026–2030 (EPW2). A wide range of health partners, including civil society and professional organizations, academia, and young people, are engaged in this process. Those participating in the recent consultation also recognized the role of NSAs as key partners as well as “friendly critics” of WHO.
“We have the opportunity to rethink how we can collaborate together, and differently, using our collective resources to address the health challenges we face,” commented Kristina Mauer-Stender, acting Director of the Division of Country Support and Partnerships at WHO/Europe. She noted that the “Engagement plan with non-State actors”, launched in October 2024, and the development of the EPW2, set out a clear path for stronger dialogue and cooperation.
Reflections and suggestions for collective action to address megatrends
In small group discussions, participants provided reflections on the implications of megatrends for health systems and populations, and offered suggestions for effective collective actions and strategies to address them. These included the need to:
- place greater emphasis on the role of commercial determinants in shaping health outcomes;
- focus on the supply of health-harming products, in addition to existing measures to reduce consumer demand;
- assess the contribution of private–public partnerships to public health;
- engage with medical students to increase the number of medical professionals specializing in general practice and family medicine to strengthen primary health care;
- build political support for primary health care;
- ensure that pandemic preparedness remains central to activities; and
- establish ways to build trust and tackle mis- and disinformation.
Considering the process of moving from the EPW1 to the EPW2, participants underlined the importance of:
- ensuring continuity;
- increasing efforts across the public health community to break down existing silos and identify barriers that hinder greater coherence in working across sectors and disciplines;
- adopting integrated approaches to address the linkages between megatrends affecting health; and
- ensuring sustainable financing for public health activities.
NSAs have been invited to take part in the series of thematic hearings for the development of the EPW2, beginning on 22 January 2025.
Event notice
16 January 2025, 11:00–12:30 CET
The WHO Regional Office for Europe invites non-State actors (NSAs) to a virtual brainstorming session to shape the development of the Second European Programme of Work (EPW2) for 2026–2030. This interactive event provides a platform for NSA partners to share their expertise, insights, and perspectives, ensuring that EPW2 addresses emerging health trends and aligns with the Region’s evolving health priorities.
Why NSA participation matters
Considered key contributions to the EPW2 process, NSA inputs are vital in identifying strategic health priorities and crafting collective actions to address current and future challenges in the WHO European Region. This is an opportunity to shape a unified health agenda that promotes equity, resilience, and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key objectives
The key objectives of the session will be as follows:
- discuss megatrends shaping health in the Region and their implications for EPW2;
- identify strategies for collective action to future-proof health systems; and
- contribute actionable insights to ensure EPW2 reflects diverse and inclusive perspectives.
Session format
The session will open with an overview of the EPW2 goals and development process. This will be followed by breakout discussions focusing on emerging health trends and their implications for EPW2, as well as strategic actions to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. An AI tool to capture insights and synthesize ideas in real time will be used.
How to join
The session will take place online via Zoom in English. Registration is required to participate. After registering, you will receive an email with details to access the meeting.
This session marks the start of a broader consultation process, with thematic hearings on key topics such as noncommunicable diseases and mental health, demographic shifts, health systems innovation, climate resilience, and health security, beginning later in January 2025. Your participation will help to ensure that EPW2 reflects diverse perspectives and paves the way for a healthier European Region.
To learn more and register, please contact epw2@who.int and europar@who.int .