/health-and-multilateral-partnerships-(hmp)/participant-at-the-151st-ipu-assembly.tmb-1200v.jpg?sfvrsn=a90ee67b_1 "Parliament & Health: Rights, Resilience & Action")
WHO Strengthens Parliamentary Engagement for Global Health & Nutrition at 151st IPU Assembly
The world health Organization (WHO) actively engaged with parliamentarians from around the globe at the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly, held recently, reinforcing its commitment to collaborative action on critical health and nutrition challenges. The Assembly provided a vital platform for dialogue,knowledge sharing,and the forging of partnerships essential to achieving global health security,worldwide health coverage (UHC),and improved nutritional outcomes worldwide.
addressing the Global Malnutrition Crisis & Leveraging Legislative Power
A key focus of the Assembly was the escalating global malnutrition crisis. Ms. Kaia Engesveen, WHO Technical Officer from the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, presented the latest data, underscoring the urgency of accelerated action to meet the aspiring 2030 Global Nutrition Targets. Ms. Engesveen highlighted the powerful role parliamentarians can play in translating global commitments into tangible results through strategic regulatory interventions. These include proven strategies like food fortification to address micronutrient deficiencies, public food procurement policies that prioritize nutritious options, restrictions on the marketing of unhealthy foods – notably to children – and the implementation of taxation on sugary drinks to discourage consumption.
The discussions were particularly valuable in showcasing successful national experiences, demonstrating how legislative leadership can drive impactful change. This exchange of best practices will directly inform preparations for the Third Global Parliamentary Summit against Hunger and Malnutrition, scheduled for Midrand, South Africa in 2026. (WHO has decades of experience in supporting nations to develop and implement effective nutrition programs, drawing on robust scientific evidence and a deep understanding of local contexts.)
Protecting Health in Crises: A Humanitarian Imperative
This year’s General Debate, centered on “Upholding humanitarian norms and supporting humanitarian action in times of crisis,” resonated deeply with WHO’s core mission. Ms. Elisa Scolaro, External Relations Officer for Parliamentary Affairs, speaking on behalf of WHO, powerfully reminded delegates that health systems are often the first to collapse during conflicts, displacement, and climate/health emergencies. She emphasized the critical need to protect health workers and facilities, actively combat the spread of misinformation that undermines public health, and secure sustainable financing for resilient health systems capable of withstanding shocks.
Ms. Scolaro stressed that,”In these divided times,health must remain a bridge for cooperation and dialogue,where all nations can work together toward a shared goal.” WHO’s long-standing work in humanitarian settings,from providing emergency medical assistance to building long-term health infrastructure,positions it as a trusted advisor to governments and parliaments on these issues. The Assembly culminated in the adoption of the Geneva Declaration, wich unequivocally affirmed the protection of healthcare infrastructure and personnel as a basic humanitarian principle.
Empowering Youth Voices & Future Health Leaders
Recognizing the vital role of young people in shaping the future of global health,the WHO Youth Council was represented by Jingxin Xiao,from the youth-led initiative Act4Food. Ms. Xiao powerfully advocated for strengthened youth participation in decision-making processes, the integration of health, climate, and digital literacy into education systems, and prioritized mental health support for young people in humanitarian settings. This reflects WHO’s growing commitment to amplifying youth voices and fostering a new generation of health leaders. (WHO’s youth Council provides a crucial link between global health policy and the lived experiences of young people, ensuring that programs are relevant and impactful.)
Strengthening Tobacco Control & beyond
On the margins of the Assembly, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Secretariat convened a side event focused on parliamentary engagement. This session brought together lawmakers from over ten countries to share experiences and explore strategies for accelerating the implementation of the WHO FCTC and its Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. Participants underscored the importance of robust tobacco control legislation, increased taxation on tobacco products, and protecting public health policies from industry interference. (The WHO FCTC is a globally recognized treaty, backed by decades of research, that provides a comprehensive framework for reducing the devastating health and economic consequences of tobacco use.)
A Continued Partnership for a Healthier Future
WHO’s extensive participation – involving over 50 colleagues from headquarters – at the 151st IPU Assembly underscores its steadfast collaboration with the IPU. Looking ahead, WHO has invited parliamentarians to continue this vital dialogue at the next World Health assembly, where WHO and IPU will co-host the annual Global Parliamentary Forum in May 2026.
WHO remains deeply committed to working with the IPU and its member states on key priorities, including UHC, global health security, and health promotion, with a particular focus on the health and well-being of women, children, and adolescents. This ongoing partnership is essential to building a healthier, more equitable, and resilient world for all.
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