harnessing technology and innovation in health for everyone everywhere

New technologies, including digital tools, are transforming health care.  Artificial intelligence (AI), precision medicine and improved use of personal and population data have the potential to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases, ultimately improving people’s health and well-being. But these new advances are no substitute for the human touch. Person-centred care based on human connection remains at the core of health care. As the health workforce in Europe dwindles, an ageing population, the health impacts of climate change, and emerging health security threats mean that demand for health services is greater than ever. Innovation in traditional models of service delivery also becomes a priority.

This meeting will bring together Member States, partners, civil society representatives, health-care workers, and digital health advocates to discuss how these trends are reshaping health systems across Europe and central Asia. By acting now, participants can help to ensure that digital innovations serve and promote people’s health and well-being for generations to come. 

Equity and innovation: striking the right balance

Big data and AI enable us to provide individualized care but can also revolutionize health planning through predictive modelling, identifying population and public health trends. These advancements will support health systems in anticipating patient flows, optimizing the allocation of resources and the performance of health and care workers.

These positive advances come with significant challenges. Patients’ rights, including the privacy of their data, must be safeguarded. Concerns such as the affordability of these new technologies, people’s ability to access them – especially people from marginalized groups – and the role of market-driven private sector firms all demonstrate the importance of understanding and addressing the question of equitable access to health care.

Decision-makers need the tools and knowledge to make the right decisions to leverage the potential of new technologies in health. Understanding how digital health technologies can improve access and quality of health services will improve health outcomes for both individuals and the wider population.

This third in a series of public hearings organized by WHO/Europe aims to:

• explore how rapid advances in technology could disrupt and/or support health systems;
• identify major strategic shifts required in health systems to respond effectively to technological advancements;
• debate how to balance the centrality of person-centred care that retains the human touch while promoting the efficiency and adaptability of AI tools; and
• discuss how citizen participation and community voice can fight digital exclusion.

Keynote speakers will include:

• Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe
• Mónica García Gómez, Minister of Health, Spain
• Teymur Musayev, Minister of Health, Azerbaijan
• Bogi Eliasen, Director of Health, Copenhagen Institute for Future Studies, Denmark
• Line Farah, Director, National Digital Programs on “Digital and Aging Well” and “Digital in Mental Health”, Ministry of Health, Labour, Solidarity and Families, France
• Bettina Lundgren (TBC), Chief Executive Officer, Danish National Genome Center, Denmark
• Katherine Rouleau, Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Canada
• Johan Van Eldere, Secretary-General, European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA)

A series of hearings to inform the Second European Programme of Work

WHO/Europe is organizing a series of hearings as part of the development process for the Second European Programme of Work (EPW2) 2026–2030. These hearings provide a platform for Member States, civil society representatives, and other partners to share insights, priorities, and recommendations for shaping a unified health agenda for the European Region until 2030 and beyond.

The feedback gathered through these sessions will inform EPW2, ensuring that it addresses key health challenges and promotes equity and resilience. The hearings are conducted online, enabling broad participation and fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders.

Register now and shape the future of health in Europe and central Asia.

For more information, please contact [email protected].