Tag: WHO – G20 – investment – pledge

WHO Investment Drive Reaches Peak as G20 Leaders Commit

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G20 Leaders Unite for Health

At the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, chaired by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the first-ever Investment Round of the World Health Organization (WHO) reached a pivotal moment. Heads of state and government from around the globe voiced unwavering support for sustainable WHO funding. Notably, the G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration emphasized WHO’s central role in global health, calling for “adequate, predictable, transparent, flexible, and sustainable financing.”

Driving Change with the Fourteenth General Programme of Work

The Investment Round aligns with WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, a strategy aimed at saving an additional 40 million lives over the next four years. This initiative is transforming WHO’s funding model, ensuring it becomes more predictable and resilient.

With fresh pledges from Australia, Indonesia, and Spain at the summit, WHO has secured $1.7 billion in funding. Combined with signed agreements and anticipated partnerships, the organization now has $3.8 billion, covering 53% of its $7.1 billion target for 2025–2028. This progress marks a stark contrast to 2020 when only 17% of funding was secured.

A Broader, More Resilient Donor Base

The Investment Round has significantly expanded WHO’s donor base. Seventy new pledges were received, including contributions from seven low-income countries and 21 middle-income nations. This diversification underscores a global recognition of health as a priority.

Additionally, 46 donors have committed more flexible funding, allowing WHO to allocate resources where they are most needed. This shift enhances WHO’s ability to plan, respond to crises, and implement its strategy effectively.

Quotes from Global Leaders

  • President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil): “The World Health Organization represents humanity’s greatest ideals. Investment over the next four years will be repaid many times over in well-being gained.”
  • Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Germany): “The work of the WHO benefits all of us. It needs reliable financing from a broad base. Every contribution counts.”
  • President Emmanuel Macron (France): “Investing in WHO strengthens our response capacity to health crises, including pandemics.”
  • President Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa): “We are proud to spotlight WHO’s importance and sustainable financing during South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025.”

A Path Toward Health for All

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, highlighted the Investment Round’s significance: “This initiative mobilizes the predictable, flexible funding needed to save lives and make the world safer and healthier.”

As WHO prepares for the next phase, additional pledges are expected, ensuring the organization continues its mission of promoting health for all.