On 20 January 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) hosted a high-level dialogue at its Geneva headquarters, welcoming parliamentarians to discuss advancing women’s health, strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), addressing the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), and the future of global health cooperation. The event was convened by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health, bringing together legislators from Albania, Germany, Georgia, Mexico, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Zimbabwe.
A key focus of the dialogue was the need to move beyond fragmented approaches to women’s health. WHO experts emphasized that health outcomes for women are shaped by persistent gender inequalities, social norms, and structural barriers, requiring coordinated action across health systems. Despite 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, progress remains uneven, highlighting the need for gender-responsive health systems that address women’s health holistically across the life course. Parliamentarians stressed the importance of linking evidence, legislation, and measurable outcomes at the national level.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights were central to the discussions, with WHO highlighting a life-course approach that considers changing health needs from birth to older age. Parliamentarians recognized their role in promoting SRHR and collaborating with WHO and the Human Reproduction Programme to ensure evidence-based policymaking. The dialogue underscored the broader social determinants of health, humanitarian crises, and demographic shifts that influence SRHR outcomes.
Cancer prevention and care were highlighted as critical components of women’s health and health system sustainability. WHO experts presented integrated strategies addressing cervical, breast, and childhood cancers, including prevention, screening, access to essential medicines, and palliative care. Parliamentarians shared national experiences illustrating the social and economic impacts of cancer on families and communities, emphasizing the need for political commitment, domestic investment, health literacy, stigma reduction, and people-centered care.
The dialogue also addressed the future of global health and multilateralism. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to systematic engagement with parliaments, highlighting their influence on health policy, legislation, and budgetary decisions. Restructuring efforts within WHO aim to enhance efficiency and country support, aligning global health governance with evolving challenges.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that improving women’s health requires sustained political leadership, investment, and agile multilateral institutions. Participants agreed on continued collaboration through partnerships with KAS and the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health, building toward ongoing parliamentary engagement and the upcoming UNITE Global Summit 2026 in Manila, Philippines.
