Agenda

Context 

The renewal of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) mandate through 2035 and the extension of the WHO Global Strategy on Digital Health to 2027, together with the development of the next Global Strategy (2028–2033), present an important opportunity to accelerate country-led digital transformation for health. Governments have consistently highlighted the need for stronger digital governance, interoperable digital public infrastructure, trusted health data, workforce capacity, sustainable financing and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence as essential building blocks of resilient health systems. 

Building on the outcomes of the recently concluded 3rd Global Convening of the Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH), this high-level dialogue will explore how countries and partners can move from strategy to implementation through coordinated action, stronger partnerships and locally owned digital transformation. The session will demonstrate how GIDH is supporting countries by strengthening governance, aligning technical and financial support, fostering the adoption of digital public infrastructure, fostering peer learning and building national capacity to implement dsustainable digital health programmes.

Anchored in the WSIS Action Line C7 (eHealth) facilitated by the WHO and the ITU, the discussion will focus on four thematic areas:

• Strengthening resilient data and digital health systems; 
• Advancing Digital Public Infrastructure as a foundation for integrated, person-centred health services; 
• Promoting trusted health data governance, stewardship and digital sovereignty; and 
• Preparing countries for the safe, ethical and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in health. 
   

Objectives 

Government leaders, international organizations, development partners, academia and implementing institutions will share practical country experiences, lessons learned and innovative approaches in digital heath. Particular emphasis will be placed on how coordinated partnerships can reduce fragmentation, strengthen country ownership and accelerate progress towards universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The session will also provide an opportunity to reflect on how the WSIS C7 eHealth community can contribute to the implementation of the renewed WSIS mandate through 2035, strengthen collaboration across the broader UN digital cooperation agenda, and support the development of resilient, inclusive and sustainable digital health ecosystems that leave no one behind.