Blog by Dr. Olga Tzortzatou Nanopoulou, SI Representative to the UN in Geneva.
During a recent meeting of the Civil Society Commission meeting, on the 25th March 2025, emphasis was placed on the critical importance of stronger collaboration between civil society, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and other key stakeholders in addressing global health challenges. Key issues like resource mobilisation and youth engagement were central to the conversation, highlighting the need for collective action. By working together, tapping into local resources, and involving entrepreneurs and philanthropists, it was emphasized that we can make a substantial impact on the health of communities worldwide.
Key Insights from the Meeting
Strengthening Civil Society Engagement
WHO General Director, Dr. Tedros, stressed the importance of engaging civil society in shaping health systems. Dr. Tedros highlighted the need for formal relationships between WHO and local communities to maximise impact on global health. As health systems face increasing challenges, building strong partnerships with civil society organisations is essential for driving change and ensuring sustainability at the country level.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on resource mobilisation. Dr. Tedros encouraged countries to look inward, emphasising the importance of mobilising domestic resources for health systems, especially in the wake of global funding cuts. He also pointed out that local entrepreneurs and philanthropists can play a crucial role in supporting health initiatives. By involving local leaders in these efforts, we can ensure that critical issues, such as maternal health, receive sustained funding and attention.
Maternal health was identified as a central feminist issue, with Dr. Tedros and others stressing the need to go beyond medical care and address the social factors that affect women’s health outcomes. Improving maternal health is closely tied to gender equality, and the meeting underscored that women’s health issues must remain a priority on the global agenda. Empowering women through access to healthcare and other resources is essential for achieving health equity.
The potential withdrawal of the United States from WHO was a key concern. Dr. Tedros discussed the significant implications of such a move, particularly the loss of expertise and leadership that the US provides to WHO’s mission. He described this as a “lose-lose” situation for all parties involved but emphasized that there is still an opportunity for stakeholders to work together to influence global health policies and ensure continued progress, regardless of challenges.
Dr. Tedros concluded with a call for innovation and collaboration. He stressed that the global health community must be more resourceful and creative in how it addresses health challenges. By engaging not only governments but also civil society, local entrepreneurs, and philanthropists, we can create a more sustainable and equitable health system. Regular dialogue, shared expertise, and collaborative efforts are essential for making a tangible impact.
The discussions made it clear that addressing global health challenges requires collective action. By strengthening relationships between civil society and WHO, mobilising local resources, and fostering partnerships with philanthropists and entrepreneurs, we can overcome the challenges we face in global health, including maternal health. The road ahead will require innovation, advocacy, and continued collaboration between all sectors to ensure that health systems worldwide are not only functional but thriving.