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.
Objective
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
In-person sessions will take place in Lyon, France, at:
- Village Implid, Matmut Stadium
Address: 353 Av. Jean Jaurès, 69007 Lyon, France
- WHO Academy (for breakout and group work sessions)
Address: 57 Av. Tony Garnier, 69007 Lyon, France
A dedicated virtual meeting platform will be available to all registered participants joining in person and remotely.
All sessions will be conducted in English only.
Programme overview
The Forum will take place over three days (all times in Central European Time – CET):
- Tuesday, 7 April 2026 (14:00–18:00)
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 (09:00–17:30)
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 (09:00–17:00)
Plenary discussions, interactive breakout sessions and forward-looking discussions aimed at reinforcing collaboration across networks and regions.
A detailed annotated agenda will be available soon.
Participation and registration
Participation in the Global Forum is limited to institutions officially designated as WHO Collaborating Centres and invited WHO representatives.
- Registration for the event is now closed. Confirmed participants will receive further practical and technical information directly by email.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
A detailed FAQ document will soon be available for download below. It includes information on:
- participation modalities (in-person and virtual)
- visa support and invitation letters
- travel and accommodation arrangements
- language of the meeting
- access to the virtual platform
- contact information for support.
Download frequently asked questions (online soon)
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult the FAQ document and the information provided on this page carefully, before contacting the Secretariat. For queries not covered, please write to globalforumwhocc@who.int. Due to the high volume of requests, responses may be delayed.