Global Leaders Recommit to WHO, Raising Over $170 Million at 2025 World Health Assembly Pledge Event

World Leaders Unite for Global Health: $170 Million Pledged to WHO

In a momentous show of solidarity and commitment to public health, world leaders gathered at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva to pledge an additional US$170 million to the World Health Organization (WHO). This high-level pledging event, held on Tuesday, underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in global health initiatives, particularly amid rising health challenges such as pandemics, disparities in healthcare access, and the long-term effects of climate change.

Multilateral Cooperation in Action

Central to the pledges made at the event was a shared recognition of the importance of multilateral cooperation. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, remarked on the necessity of these contributions to support WHO’s base budget from 2025 to 2028. “In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work,” he stated, emphasizing that the pledges demonstrate that “multilateralism is alive and well.”

Increasing Assessed Contributions

Earlier in the day, Member States approved a significant increase in Assessed Contributions to the WHO. This decision adds an impressive US$90 million annually to WHO’s income, marking a pivotal step toward sustainable financing for the organization. These contributions are critical in supporting WHO’s broader mission and operational strategy, aligning resources with global health priorities.

Funding for the Fourteenth General Programme of Work

The Investment Round (IR) aims to generate funding to support WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, aimed at saving an estimated 40 million lives over the next four years. The pledges made not only demonstrate the commitment of various governments but also include significant contributions from philanthropic organizations. This diverse funding pool helps ensure that the WHO remains responsive to the complex and evolving landscape of global health.

A Diverse Group of Contributors

The pledging event saw contributions from both longstanding allies and new donors, which significantly broadened WHO’s donor base. Notable contributors included Angola, Cambodia, China, Gabon, Mongolia, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, and Tanzania. Philanthropic partners like ELMA Philanthropies, Fondation Botnar, Laerdal Global Health, the Nippon Foundation, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation further solidified their commitment to WHO’s mission. Among these donations, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation announced an additional US$13 million, pledging to increase funding further.

The Significance of Flexible Contributions

The event highlighted the critical need for flexible funding that allows WHO to remain agile and aligned with national health priorities. Eight donors included a flexible contribution to WHO, which is highly valuable as it permits the organization to allocate resources where they’re needed most, quickly and efficiently. This kind of funding allows WHO to adapt to emerging health challenges and align its initiatives with the priorities of the countries it serves.

Engaging Individuals Worldwide

In a testament to grassroots support for global health initiatives, WHO has also extended its fundraising reach through individual giving. The One World Movement has seen nearly 8,000 individuals become ‘Member Citizens,’ contributing close to US$600,000 in donations, many of which are recurring monthly contributions. This grassroots engagement reflects a powerful expression of global solidarity, reinforcing the message that every contribution counts.

A Pivotal Moment for Sustainable Funding

The pledging event can be seen as a crucial juncture in the WHO’s ongoing quest for sustainable funding. The emphasis on diversified financing is aimed at positioning WHO to be more responsive and focused on individual countries’ health needs. The discussions at the assembly continually reinforced the sentiment that collaborative partnerships are vital in an era marked by uncertainty and challenge.

Contributions from Around the Globe

The collective contributions made during the pledging event include:

Each contribution serves as a crucial building block in the global effort to enhance health for all, fostering a unified mission of “One World for Health.”