With the theme “Collaborating for a Healthier Future”, the First Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCC) brought together global experts from hundreds of institutions designated as WHO Collaborating Centres from 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 provided 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 was 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.
Venue and format
The Global Forum took place in Lyon, France at the Village Implid, Matmut Stadium.
Additionally, an interactive event platform was made available to all participants, providing access to live sessions, a networking space, and virtual poster exhibition.
Programme overview
The Forum will take place over three days (all times in Central European Summer Time – CEST):
- Tuesday, 7 April 2026 (14:00–20:00)
Opening activities, including registration, a welcome plenary session and a high-level segment aligned with the French Presidential One Health Summit.
- Wednesday, 8 April 2026 (08:00–17:30)
Plenary discussions, marketplace, posters exhibition and thematic sessions focused on strengthening the strategic contribution of WHO Collaborating Centres to the GPW 14.
- Thursday, 9 April 2026 (08:00–18:00)
Plenary discussions, interactive breakout sessions and forward-looking discussions aimed at reinforcing collaboration across networks and regions.
Provisional Agenda Global WHOCC Forum
Participation
Participation in the Global Forum was limited to institutions officially designated as WHO Collaborating Centres and invited WHO representatives.
Photo Gallery
Photo gallery: WHO Multimedia Library - First Forum of the WHO Collaborating Centres, Lyon, France