HCRFF WHOCSO Commission

New WHO Civil Society Commission to strengthen civil society organizations’ role in accelerating progress in global health-HCRFFUSA 

WHO launched the WHO Civil Society Commission and held the inaugural meeting of its Steering Committee in Geneva today. The Commission provides, for the first time, the ability to channel advice and recommendations in a more structured and systematic manner from civil society to WHO on health priorities and related issues. 

 The Commission’s role is to advise WHO on its interactions with civil society. It’s informed by independent and evidence-based advice from civil society and can propose innovative and realistic solutions to the challenges and gaps in WHO’s engagement with civil society.

  The historical role of civil society organizations (CSO) in bringing about change in public health is well-known. While WHO has a long-standing tradition of working with CSOs, the establishment of the Commission takes the collaboration to a new level.

The Steering Committee will provide overall strategic direction for the full Commission and lead the development of its main deliverables. It will also convey advice and recommendations from civil society through regular engagement with the Director-General and senior WHO leadership.