Health Futures Forum 2021: shaping the future of health 

Overview

The Health Futures Forum: Shaping the Future of Health, hosted by WHO on 24–26 August 2021, was a landmark event. The Forum encouraged participants to imagine alternative health futures and seek to understand the dimensions of change that shape them. The virtual event also raised the profile of futures-oriented policy along with the urgency of learning how to better anticipate health-related challenges and opportunities. This report summarizes the rich discussions that emerged from the Forum. It synthesizes the ideas, exchanges and insights that participants shared as they explored the future of health around four main themes: 1) society, 2) technology and innovation, 3) economy, and 4) health. The report is designed to foster an engaging policy discussion about the future of health, well-being and health systems by highlighting key implications, challenges and opportunities for countries in the Region.