The second Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF25), convened by the World Health Organization (WHO), brought together global stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the World Health Assembly resolution on strengthening clinical trials (WHA75.8) and WHO Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical Trials. Held under the theme "Action for Impact", the Forum marked a pivotal moment in translating clinical trial reform from policy into practice.
The Forum launched the Global action plan for clinical trial ecosystem strengthening (GAP-CTS), a country-driven roadmap structured around nine action areas, and aligned stakeholder efforts to strengthen clinical trial ecosystems at national, regional, and global levels.
Key themes included:
- Embedding clinical trials into health systems
- Advancing equity and inclusion, especially of underrepresented populations
- Scaling meaningful community and patient engagement
- Supporting methodological innovation
- Strengthening capacity through coordinated training
- Advancing digital infrastructure for trial efficiency
The Forum also served as a launchpad for new collaborative workstreams within the WHO-managed Global Clinical Trials Forum network. These will focus on implementation priorities for 2025–2026 and support countries in operationalizing the GAP-CTS in alignment with World Health Assembly Resolution WHA75.8.