Governance

The Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF) network operates through a structured governance framework to support coordination and alignment with its overall mission and objectives. The GCTF comprises a Secretariat, GCTF participants, and a stakeholder representative group, which includes rapporteurs and co-rapporteurs appointed for a defined project period. 

This structure is designed to facilitate collaboration while ensuring that activities remain focused on shared priorities. The GCTF does not serve as a decision-making body and does not influence the independent work or activities of its participants outside the Forum. It functions as a platform for dialogue and cooperation without advancing individual or organization-specific agendas. 

GCTF Secretariat

WHO serves as the Secretariat of the GCTF, overseeing its day-to-day management, stakeholder coordination, and workplan implementation. The Secretariat facilitates discussions, administers operations, and ensures alignment with WHO policies. 

Key responsibilities include: 

  • Serving as the interface between the GCTF and participants 
  • Managing membership in line with WHO rules 
  • Coordinating workplan development and implementation 
  • Chairing the stakeholder representative group 
  • Monitoring activities and optimizing processes 
  • Organizing meetings and maintaining communication 
  • Managing documentation, the GCTF website, and reporting 

Secretariat support is subject to available resources and WHO regulations. WHO reserves the right not to implement activities that pose undue financial, legal, or reputational risks.

Stakeholder representative group

The stakeholder representative group consists of participants appointed by WHO as rapporteurs and co-rapporteurs for a defined project period. Their role is to report on the activities of a working group under the coordination of the WHO Secretariat.

Appointments to the stakeholder representative group aim to ensure balanced representation of GCTF participants, considering factors such as gender, age, geographical distribution, and organization type.

Working Groups

Thematic working groups may be established for a defined term with approval from the Secretariat and the Stakeholder Representative Group. Their focus areas are determined collaboratively by the Secretariat, the Stakeholder Representative Group, and relevant GCTF participants. The Secretariat approves the terms of reference in consultation with the Stakeholder Representative Group. 

All GCTF participants can join working groups, which serve as platforms for knowledge-sharing and collaboration on specific projects aligned with the GCTF’s mission. 

Each working group will have a Chair and Co-Chair, appointed by the Secretariat, responsible for guiding discussions and reporting on activities. 

GCTF members

GCTF participants consist of representatives from diverse stakeholders including government agencies, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, the private sector and philanthropic foundations.

Information on meetings

  • Annual meeting: Held to review workplans, share knowledge, and discuss emerging issues. Each participating organization can nominate up to two delegates to attend.
  • Stakeholder representative group meetings: Held every three months to report on progress of the working groups, discuss issues and review GCTF workplan.
  • Working group meetings: Scheduled as needed by the respective Chairs and co-Chairs to discuss specific thematic activities.