With the theme “Collaborating for a Healthier Future”, the First Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCC) will bring together global experts from hundreds of institutions designated as WHO Collaborating Centres across more than 80 countries, alongside WHO leadership and technical focal points to strengthen scientific and technical collaboration in support of the Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14) and WHO’s commitment to Health for All.
Organized by WHO and held in the sidelines of the One Health Summit 2026, hosted by the Government of France, the Forum will provide a platform for dialogue, reflection, and forward-looking collaboration.
Collaborating Centres provide strategic, scientific and technical support to WHO’s programmes at global, regional and country levels. Through these partnerships, WHO strengthens multilateral collaboration, advances evidence-informed health policies, and promotes coordinated action across countries and regions to address global health priorities.
The Forum will be conducted in a hybrid format, with participants attending both in person and virtually.
Objectives
The Global Forum aims to:
- Harness and optimize WHO Collaborating Centres’ contributions to GPW 14
Expected outcome: A shared roadmap that clearly links WHO CC activities to GPW 14 priorities, identifies gaps, and outlines strategies for measurable impact across global health initiatives.
- Expand and strengthen collaborative networks to address emerging global health challenges
Expected outcome: Identification of key trends and risks, agreement on a shared vision, and commitment to engage institutions and partnerships to reinforce delivery of the WHO “Health for All” agenda.