19 May 2026—Amid repeated economic shocks and deep cuts to global and national health budgets, it has become more urgent than ever to make the economic case for investing in health professionals.
Against this backdrop, WHPA’s side event at the 79th World Health Assembly delivered a clear message: investing in health professionals is fundamental to economic stability and sustainable development, bringing real economic benefits, as well as improved quality of care and patient safety.
The event took place on 19 May in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together leaders and experts to reframe the narrative: health expenditure is not a burden but an essential investment for more resilient societies and economies. This was reinforced in a thought-provoking keynote valedictory address given by Otmar Kloiber, out-going Secretary General of the World Medical Association.
Early career perspectives complemented the senior leadership interventions, pointing out that the future of healthcare will be shaped by how we support the next generation entering the profession today.
Stakeholders from across the global health community filled the room to capacity, including WHO staff, civil society representatives, academics and frontline health professionals. The discussions sparked lively exchanges that continued over canapés and refreshments during the reception following the event. By bringing together key voices to share perspectives and experiences, the event helped strengthen the voice of the professions within the global health community and fed into ongoing public and private discussions during the World Health Assembly.
Keynote speaker
Otmar Kloiber, out-going Secretary General of WMA
Leadership speakers
- Michel Landry—World Physiotherapy (President)
- José Luis Cobos Serrano—ICN International Council of Nurses (President)
- Jennifer Gallagher—representing FDI: President of IADR International Association of Dental Research
- Virginia Olmos—FIP International Pharmaceutical Federation (Vice-President)
- Jacqueline Kitulu—WMA World Medical Association (President)
Early career perspectives speakers
- Yifan Zhou: Early Career Pharmaceutical Group (ECPG) External Relations Coordinator
- Josephine Agyei: Chair of the ICN Alliance of Student and Early Career Nurses Steering Committee
- Pascale Mathieu: President of the French National Council of Physiotherapists
- Mohamed Osman: Junior Doctors Network
Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026
Time: 18.00 – 20.30 CEST
Place: Salle Mont Blanc, Warwick Hotel, Geneva
14 rue de Lausanne, 1201 Geneva