UNGA81: restoring trust, strengthening health, securing the future
The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners will raise global awareness during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) of the urgent actions needed to make the world healthier, safer and more resilient
Held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all,” this year’s General Assembly comes at a pivotal moment for global health. Countries continue to navigate the impacts of ongoing health emergencies, economic pressures, climate-related threats and declining development assistance, while seeking new ways to strengthen health systems and protect populations from future risks.
WHO will use UNGA81 to promote action across several priority areas, including pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPPR), sustainable financing for health and WHO, climate and health, digital innovation and artificial intelligence, global health security, and strengthening resilient health systems grounded in universal health coverage and primary health care
A central focus will be the Second United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, taking place on 25 September 2026. The meeting represents a key opportunity for governments and partners to review progress made since the first High-Level Meeting in 2023 and renew political commitment to preventing future pandemics through science, solidarity and international cooperation.
Since 2023, significant progress has been achieved, including adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, strengthening of the International Health Regulations, establishment of the Pandemic Fund, creation of the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, the WHO BioHub System, and the Global Health Emergency Corps and expanded support for regional vaccine manufacturing. At the same time, recent Ebola, mpox, cholera and hantavirus outbreaks continue to demonstrate that preparedness remains an urgent global priority.
Throughout UNGA81, WHO leaders will engage with heads of state and government, ministers, multilateral organizations, development banks, philanthropies, civil society and scientific partners to advance shared solutions to today’s health challenges and strengthen collective action for the future.
Key WHO moments during UNGA 81
21 September | PMNCH Annual Accountability Breakfast 2026: from pledges to progress
Convened by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), the event will focus on accountability for financing and commitments to improve the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents
21 September | Crisis in preparedness: laboratories and frontline readiness in the time of Ebola
The event brings together health leaders, funders and technical partners to identify practical solutions for strengthening laboratory systems as a foundation for both routine health services and pandemic prevention, preparedness and response
21 September | Strategies for a sustainable NCD and mental health response: 5th Multistakeholder Gathering
The event will bring together governments, civil society, philanthropy and global health partners to advance sustainable financing and effective multisectoral action for noncommunicable diseases and mental health
21 September | High level convening of the Accra Reset – Resetting Global Development: One Year On
Marking one year since the launch of the Accra Reset, this event brings together global leaders and experts to assess progress towards health sovereignty and broader North-South reforms, while identifying the next steps needed to turn ambitious commitments into lasting change
22 September | Shaping the Next Generation of Global Health Investment
Senior WHO leadership participation focused on investing in health systems, resilience and sustainable development
22 September | Ending lead poisoning: a global call to action
Hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Coefficient Giving and the Partnership for a Lead-Free Future. The event will bring together governments, philanthropy and technical partners to accelerate action against one of the world’s most preventable environmental health threats
22 September | Launch of the Jameel Arts & Health Lab-Lancet Global Collection on Arts and Health
Convened by the Jameel Arts and Health Lab, New York University and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, this event will explore the growing evidence on the role of arts and culture in improving health and well-being
22 September | Two Regions, One Future: financing pandemic prevention, preparedness and response to build global health security
Hosted by the Governments of Guyana and Burundi with support from regional and global partners, the event will examine sustainable financing approaches for health security and pandemic preparedness
22 September | Financing for women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health in a time of austerity
Leaders and partners will explore innovative approaches to protecting and expanding investments in health during a period of fiscal constraint
23 September | 7th Annual United Nations Group of Friends of Universal Health Coverage Ministerial Meeting
Ministers and partners will discuss accelerating progress towards universal health coverage and preparations for the 2027 UN High-Level Meeting on UHC
23 September | One SCD: a global partnership to advance equity and transform sickle cell care
WHO and partners will highlight opportunities to improve access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment for people living with sickle cell disease
23 September | Polio side event: One Investment, Multiple Returns. Strengthening Child Health through Polio Eradication
24 September | Foreign Policy Health Forum: Session: Shaping the Future of Health
WHO leadership participating in this important forum to discuss Breakthroughs in science, technology, and care delivery are reshaping how health challenges are prevented, diagnosed, and treated
24 September | Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and human mobility: from global commitments to operational action
Hosted by the Government of the Philippines and the International Organization for Migration, with WHO among the co-sponsors. Discussions will explore practical approaches to protecting populations in an increasingly mobile world
25 September | Second United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response
Under the theme: “Fostering a multilateral and intergenerational approach to prevent, prepare for and respond to pandemics and public health emergencies, through the principles of equity and solidarity,” the meeting will bring together heads of state and government, ministers, international organizations, civil society, academia and the private sector to review progress since the 2023 Political Declaration and agree on actions needed to strengthen global preparedness for future health emergencies.
The meeting is expected to reinforce support for: implementation of the strengthened International Health Regulations; progress towards entry into force of the WHO Pandemic Agreement; conclusion of negotiations on the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) Annex; stronger surveillance and early-warning systems; equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics; sustainable financing for preparedness and response; and greater investment in resilient health systems and One Health approaches.
More information: WHO | United Nations
25 September | Presidential dialogue on high-threat pathogens: from cross-border collaboration to AI-assisted preparedness intelligence in Africa
Convened by the President of the Central African Republic, WHO Regional Office for Africa and partners, focusing on regional preparedness and emerging technologies for epidemic intelligence
25 September | A healthier, safer world through science and solidarity
Five years after COVID-19, the world has stronger tools, institutions and frameworks for preventing, preparing for and responding to health emergencies. Yet significant challenges remain. Global health security depends on sustained political commitment, investment in resilient health systems, trust in science and effective international cooperation
25 September | What’s Next in the Quest to Protect People from Health Emergencies and Pandemics?
As world leaders consider the Political Declaration on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response amid a major Ebola outbreak, this event will examine how to turn political commitments into the financing, capabilities and collective action needed to prevent, detect and respond to future health threats
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At UNGA81, WHO will continue to work with Member States and partners to ensure that the lessons of COVID-19 are translated into lasting action, helping create a world that is not only healthier, but also safer, fairer and more resilient for future generations. Hashtag: #UNGA81
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