Event highlights
Ahead of the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee (RC) for Europe, non-State actors (NSAs) from across the WHO European Region gathered for a pre-RC engagement meeting to discuss how to take collaboration to the next level under the Second European Programme of Work (EPW2).
The meeting opened with a shared recognition that progress in health is only possible through partnership. Participants reflected on how NSAs bring innovation, advocacy and lived experience to the table, helping to translate regional commitments into tangible results and to build trust in health systems.
Discussions centred on the renewed focus of EPW2: strengthening primary health care, prevention, health promotion and emergency response, while working differently with less. Speakers underlined that WHO’s success depends on effective, transparent and consistent collaboration with its partners, particularly to reach vulnerable populations and to sustain impact amid financial constraints.
Thematic updates covered heathy ageing, violence against women and girls, child and adolescent well-being, mental health, health security and health financing, alongside integrated approaches to noncommunicable disease prevention and the transition to people-centred models of care. Cross-cutting issues such as misinformation, climate change and social inequalities were high on the agenda.
During the special session, participants discussed how the forthcoming WHO European Strategy on Ageing is Living: Promoting a Lifetime of Health and Well-being (2026–2030) can become a shared platform for partnership — tackling ageism, strengthening community-based care and creating environments that enable older people to live with dignity, connection and purpose.
Participants shared examples of innovation — from inclusive care models and digital tools to initiatives tackling social isolation and supporting caregivers. Their insights will inform the next phase of the Strategy on Ageing is Living, ensuring that it responds to the lived realities of Europe’s people and communities.
Participants called for creative new partnership models, joint fundraising initiatives and better storytelling to make EPW2 resonate beyond the health sector. Across all themes, there was a shared determination to move from plans to practice, uniting the Region around a health agenda that helps people not only to live longer, but to live better.
Event notice
WHO/Europe is hosting the second non-State actor (NSA) networking and engagement event on 27 October 2025, a day before the opening of the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe.
NSAs – including nongovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, philanthropic foundations, business associations and academia – make a vital contribution to WHO’s work, supporting the organization in implementing its policies and recommendations. Their expertise and innovation have been critical in informing the development of the second European Programme of Work (EPW2) and their engagement is essential to ensure its effective implementation.
Objectives
The event aims to:
- strengthen understanding of EPW2 and identify opportunities for NSA collaboration in its implementation;
- provide NSAs with direct opportunities to interact with WHO/Europe directors and technical experts;
- gather perspectives from NSAs on the draft European Strategy on Ageing is Living, which will inform its further development; and
- celebrate existing partnerships and inspire new ways of working together to advance health in the Region.
Participants
NSA representatives and WHO experts will be invited to this in-person event.
Accessibility
The event seeks to ensure the highest attainable level of accessibility for people living with disabilities. Participants are encouraged to indicate any special needs, and efforts will be made to ensure equitable access for all sessions.
Format
The event will have 3 main parts:
- a plenary session introducing EPW2 priorities and showcasing opportunities for collaboration with NSAs;
- an interactive marketplace exchange, allowing WHO directors and technical experts to engage directly with NSA participants; and
- a consultation session on the European Strategy on Ageing is Living, enabling NSAs to provide input and recommendations.