Geneva: In a landmark show of scientific unity, the World Health Organisation on Thursday launched its first Global Forum of Collaborating Centres, bringing together over 800 leading research institutions from 80 countries to confront a stark truth: the next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when — and the world must be ready.
At the meeting, scientists discussed new health threats in today’s fragmented world.
WHO, in a statement, said that at the meeting, the scientists highlighted challenges that create an urgent need for action and open new opportunities to mobilise efforts toward better health solutions.
The Forum concluded with participants pledging renewed commitment to more dynamic and integrated partnerships, focused on turning scientific collaboration into concrete health solutions.
Rooted in one of the WHO’s core constitutional functions, the Collaborating Centres network has enhanced the organisation’s scientific foundations since its earliest years.
In 1949, the Second World Health Assembly affirmed that WHO should advance health research not by creating its own institutions, but by coordinating, supporting, and leveraging existing expertise worldwide.
Over the past 77 years, the WHO CC network has expanded to include many of the world’s leading public health, academic, research, and technical institutions.
The UN agency emphasised the network’s role in strengthening global norms and innovation, turning scientific knowledge into decisive health action worldwide.
“WHO’s network of collaborating centres is an immensely valuable but under-utilised resource for global health,” Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said.
“It brings together the world’s leading institutions to translate evidence into action to support countries, strengthen health systems, and protect populations.
“Collaborating centres are a powerful demonstration of international cooperation, and what it means to stand with science.”
The Global Forum leverages the momentum and aligns with the international One Health Summit, which brings together leaders from across human, animal, and environmental health disciplines.
It is also a central event of the World Health Day 2026 campaign under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.”
Dr Sylvie Briand, WHO Chief Scientist, said: “Science is at the heart of everything we do to protect and improve health.
“The global network of WHO collaborating centres represents an extraordinary concentration of scientific expertise and public health leadership.
“Together, they form a powerful force for knowledge, innovation, and action.
“At a time of growing global health challenges, this spirit of trusted scientific collaboration is not only valuable – it is indispensable to protecting lives and shaping a healthier future for all.”
WHO is also expanding its global community of CCs to confront emerging health threats with greater strength and unity.
A key initiative is the creation of the CORC (Collaborative Open Research Consortia) – networks of leading research institutions that bring together thousands of scientists worldwide.
Their mission is bold and essential: to accelerate the development of vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for Disease X – the unknown pathogen that could spark the next pandemic.
By joining forces, the networks aim to build the scientific readiness the world will rely on when that moment comes.
The Global Forum participants emphasised that strong international cooperation remains essential, particularly amid reductions in global health financing.
They called for coordinated responses and investment to prevent local health issues from escalating into global emergencies, reinforcing the forum’s central message.
The next Global Forum will take place in 2027, aiming to further strengthen this collaborative platform.
