The UNITE Global Summit’s agenda will be divided into four main pillars which cover relevant global health topics of the hour, reflecting the main topics highlighted during WHS 2024, as well.Â
Despite all communities, regardless of the country, being susceptible to disease, there are severe disparities in regard to access to health services and to healthcare outcomes when it comes to vulnerable groups.Â
The right to health is a legally binding commitment enshrined in international human rights instruments and recognized worldwide. Governments should develop and implement policies that ensure universal access to quality health services. Â
The most effective – and cost effective – way to protect populations from known and unknown health threats is to stop them before they spread.Â
As the world’s interconnectedness continues to evolve, the effectiveness of the global health architecture and security remains paramount in safeguarding the prosperity of nations across borders. Â
The development of modern, agile, and qualitative health systems is key for addressing health challenges and fostering wellbeing for all. Health systems are poised to undergo a profound transformation, largely driven by advancements in digital technology. Â
Embracing these advancements is crucial for the sustainability and effectiveness of health systems worldwide, heralding a future where healthcare is truly patient-centered, efficient, and equitable.Â
Ensuring the protection of communities and the resilience of healthcare systems hinges on sustainable financing for health. Countries across the world differ significantly on how they organise and finance national health systems, with extremes going fully State-funded models to fully private-funded or even supported almost exclusively by international development aid.Â
Therefore, prioritizing sustainable, long-term funding mechanisms that can support equitable and affordable healthcare services for all, while mitigating financial strain is key.Â
The 2022 Summit took place at a particularly opportune moment. The world is recovering from the most severe public health crisis in 100 years and simultaneously marking the halfway point of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) period.
The pandemic has set back the fight against many infectious diseases by years. New partnerships, new ways of thinking, and new funding will be needed to get back on track and achieve the promise of the SDGs. The UNITE Global Summit catalyzed that renewed effort.
The main agenda of the UNITE Global Summit dedicated sessions each day to one of UNITE’s three core strategic themes:
COVID-19 has transformed global health and modern politics. The international architecture that responds to current and future pandemics needs to be updated to serve the most vulnerable. Political leadership is the key to not losing sight of other infectious diseases as well as to advancing more sustainable, fairer, and equitable policies for all, always and everywhere.
To implement more inclusive actions and solutions, the UNITE Global Summit serves as a platform for all relevant stakeholders to connect with elected members of parliament, congresses and senates who have the powers of: Amending and creating laws; Increasing specific budgets; Influencing policies; Holding national governments & international organizations accountable.
The 2021 edition of the Summit was based on three main themes:
13 Sessions
Attendees
Policymakers
+110 Countries
People reached
on social media
Rate of engagement
on social media
2 in each 10 were members of government
12
Countries with more polycimakers present
17
11
08
From December 6 to 8, over 1000 elected members of parliament, government officials, policymakers, global health experts, practitioners, representatives of civil society, and activists have gathered to discuss the current and persistent challenges infectious diseases pose to people worldwide.
For three days, 110 speakers explored how COVID-19 has transformed global health and modern politics and how the international architecture could respond to current & future pandemics while serving the most vulnerable and not losing sight of other infectious diseases. The UNITE Global Summit results from cooperation and partnerships between UNITE and 20 international organizations working on different fronts related to public health. The program focused on three central pillars.
