On 11th March 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, UNITE and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)—the global organization representing national parliaments—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at mobilizing lawmakers worldwide to strengthen health systems and improve global health outcomes.
The agreement reflects a growing recognition that parliamentarians play a crucial role in translating global health commitments into national legislation, budgets, and oversight. By formalizing their collaboration, UNITE and the IPU are committing to equip parliamentarians with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to drive evidence-based health policies and ensure that communities’ health needs are reflected in lawmaking.
Turning Global Commitments into Parliamentary Action
A central goal of the partnership is to help transform international agreements—particularly the upcoming Pandemic Agreement—into concrete action at the national level.
Through this collaboration, UNITE and the IPU will support lawmakers in:
- Developing evidence-based health legislation
- Scrutinizing national health budgets and policies
- Strengthening parliamentary oversight and accountability
- Advancing equitable access to health services
A Year of High-Level Global Engagement
The MoU also anchors cooperation in a series of major international parliamentary gatherings throughout 2026, creating opportunities to advance dialogue and collaboration on global health.
Key moments will include:
- The 152nd IPU Assembly
- The IPU–WHO Parliamentary Forum during the World Health Assembly (May 2026)
- The UNITE Global Summit
- The 153rd IPU Assembly
These forums will provide platforms for lawmakers to share experiences, coordinate policy approaches, and build momentum for stronger global health governance.
Supporting Parliamentarians on the Pandemic Agreement
As part of the partnership, UNITE and the IPU will jointly develop and disseminate information for parliamentarians on the Pandemic Agreement. This effort aims to ensure lawmakers have the resources necessary to understand the agreement’s implications and to translate it into national legislation and policy frameworks.
The organizations will also amplify each other’s initiatives through social media and communication channels, strengthening awareness and political engagement around key global health priorities.
“UNITE was founded on the belief that political will is the missing ingredient in achieving better health for all. Through this agreement with the IPU, we are not just forming a partnership—we are committing to turn global health commitments, including the Pandemic Agreement, into concrete legislation and stronger, more resilient health systems.”
–Dr. Ricardo Baptista Leite, Founder and President of UNITE
“Parliaments and parliamentarians are central to delivering on the right to health. By joining forces with UNITE, the IPU will further support our Members in scrutinizing health policies, allocating resources where they are most needed, and ensuring that no one is left behind as countries work to strengthen health systems and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.”
-Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU
Strengthening Parliamentary Leadership for Global Health
The agreement formalizes a shared political commitment to sustained parliamentary engagement on global health. Through regular consultations, information exchange, and joint advocacy, UNITE and the IPU aim to strengthen the role of parliaments as drivers of effective health policy and accountability.
At a time when global health challenges—from pandemics to health inequities—require coordinated political leadership, this partnership signals a renewed effort to ensure that parliamentarians are at the center of building healthier, more resilient health systems and communities.
