WHO Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF)

About us

The Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF) is a World Health Organization (WHO) managed network. The network aims to enable activities of partners for implementation of WHO's guidance on best practices for clinical trials, guidance developed at the request of World Health Assembly resolution WHA 75.8. A Global Action Plan for Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening re-articulates the WHO guidance in the form of key actions for implementation. The network seeks to improve clinical trial environment and infrastructure at national, regional and global levels in line with WHO guidance. It is not a separate legal entity but operates under the auspices of WHO, adhering to its Constitution, General Programme of Work, applicable regulations and policies.

When was GCTF formed?

GCTF was established in 2025 to support the implementation of the World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution WHA75.8 and strengthen regional and country capacities related to clinical trials. This aligns with the WHO General Programme of Work (GPW 13) output indicator 4.1.3. 

Vision: Efficient clinical trial approval processes together with sustained trial capacity that is in permanent use to address everyday clinical issues and build trust as part of functioning health care systems in each region of the globe and which can pivot in an emergency.

Mission: To support the implementation of World Health Assembly Resolution (WHA 75.8) by strengthening clinical trial environment and infrastructure, thereby enhancing global public health research capabilities and improving clinical trial readiness.

Objectives:

GCTF has two broad objectives:

1. Support implementation of WHO trials guidance:
• Develop a strategy to raise awareness about WHA 75.8 resolution and associated actions.
• Apply the guidance to iteratively improve clinical trial environments and infrastructure to general actionable evidence.
2. Networking and knowledge sharing:
• Facilitate communication and information sharing among stakeholders including clinical research institutions, national health authorities, research funders, ethics authorities, regulators, patient and community engagement organizations and the private sector.
• Enable the work of partners in areas aligned with WHA 75.8, WHO guidance for best practices for clinical trials, and the related Global Action Plan.