Hosted by the Government of Western Greece, the 31st annual meeting of the WHO European Regions for Health Network (RHN) will centre around the theme “Bridging knowledge and action: Regions shaping the future of health”.
The meeting will bring together regional and subnational authorities, WHO representatives and key partners from across the WHO European Region to strengthen collaboration and advance shared public health priorities, highlighting the essential role of regions and cities in shaping health policies in a rapidly changing social, environmental and economic context.
The meeting will serve to:
- review progress in strengthening health governance at regional and local levels, and discuss approaches to accelerate action on health and well-being;
- showcase local practice through site visits highlighting initiatives implemented by the Government of Western Greece; and
- foster exchange among regional leaders, policy-makers and practitioners on solutions tailored to Europe’s diverse regions and cities.
Discussions will focus on the strategic priorities needed to build healthier, more equitable and resilient societies. These include reducing health inequalities; strengthening the resilience, sustainability and capacity of health systems; harnessing innovation and cross-sector collaboration to address emerging challenges; and ensuring that health policies respond to demographic, social and environmental change while improving outcomes across the life course.
Focal points and political representatives from all member regions of the RHN will be invited to attend. Additional delegates will be welcome to participate at their own expense.
Established in 1992, the RHN is a platform through which more than 40 regions and many associated partners and Member States across the WHO European Region work together, sharing health-related evidence, intelligence and good practice. Its aims are to:
- ensure better health and well-being for people of all ages, across all sectors and in all settings;
- secure universal access to quality care without financial hardship;
- protect against health emergencies; and
- empower health through science, data and innovation.