Event highlights
Over 50 Member State focal points and national counterparts contributing to the development process of the second European Programme of Work, 2026–2030 (EPW2) attended their second meeting.
The session began with a summary of the outcomes of the first EPW2 hearing on tackling noncommunicable diseases and advancing mental health that took place on 22 January 2025. Participants were then updated on plans to develop a futures paper that will synthesize contributions from the hearings and outline collective actions to promote health in the context of the megatrends affecting the WHO European Region.
Co-creating the EPW2: prioritization and country dialogues
In smaller discussion groups, focal points and counterparts reflected on how to prioritize WHO/Europe’s actions to deliver the EPW2. There was common agreement that priority actions must complement and contribute to WHO’s global 14th General Programme of Work (GPW14), and should cover areas where WHO has a unique role and comparative advantage.
Participants noted that the prioritization process should acknowledge different priorities for national, subregional and regional levels, and that assessment of possible activities should be based on set criteria such as feasibility, impact and cost effectiveness.
Discussions about the country dialogues emphasized the need to engage across government ministries and sectors, that different dialogue models will apply for countries with or without country offices, and that there should be flexibility to gather both open qualitative reflections and structured input (such as by survey) in these consultations. Several country representatives explained that plans for their country consultations are already underway.
Participants were encouraged to share the invitation to take part in the EPW2 hearings across their networks. The next meeting of EPW2 Member State focal points is scheduled for 6 March 2025.
Event notice
EPW2 prioritization and country consultations on agenda at second focal points meeting
Member State-designated focal points and national counterparts contributing to the development process of the second European Programme of Work, 2026–2030 (EPW2) will take part in their second meeting on 28 January 2025. The agenda will provide an opportunity to discuss the prioritization process for WHO/Europe’s EPW2 activities and to plan forthcoming country dialogues.