We welcome WHO’s efforts to expand its collaboration with non-State actors, particularly with civil society, at all three levels of the Organization and the time dedicated by WHO staff to support the delivery of joint collaboration plans.
The WHO Civil Society Commission is a commendable step towards a more inclusive approach, ensuring that the voices and expertise of civil society are heard and integrated into WHO.
However, improvement is needed to facilitate more meaningful and effective engagement of NSAs in WHO’s governing bodies. We look forward to the consultations that will take place between WHO, NSAs and Member States, as mandated in decision EB152(29), and would like to offer the following recommendations:
Improve interactions between NSAs and Member States throughout the year, for instance, organizing pre-meetings, with Member State involvement, ahead of January's EB session building on those organized for WHA since 2021, inviting NSAs to information-only sessions organized for Member States, and setting up a platform that can help Member States consult with civil society on resolutions. This would ensure that NSAs can engage in decision-making processes in a transparent and inclusive manner.
Improve the process for constituency statements, for instance, information should be shared at least two months before the governing body meetings and the option for also doing individual statements maintained to allow for a more nuanced and representative expression of diverse views.
Enhance information-sharing and logistical arrangements for NSA participation in governing body meetings, for instance, systematically providing comprehensive pre-meeting information, ensuring space for NSAs in the main rooms, regular communication about schedules, and allowing for video statements to facilitate NSA presence and voices, particularly those who face logistical, health and financial challenges.
In conclusion, it is crucial that consultations continue to take place on the involvement of NSAs in WHO governing bodies to continuously build inclusive and transparent ways of working. This will not just be beneficial for NSAs themselves but crucial for the efficacy and legitimacy of WHO’s work in addressing growing global health challenges.