Canada and WHO Discuss Global Health Priorities
Canadian and WHO officials met on 20 November 2023 to coordinate on health emergencies and future pandemic strategy.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in COVID-19
On 20 November 2023, representatives from Canada and the World Health Organization gathered in Geneva for a day of strategic discussions. The meeting focused on coordinating efforts regarding health emergencies, research, and global gender equity.
Why it matters
The dialogue aimed to sharpen strategic engagement between Canada and the WHO on shared health priorities. These discussions help shape the development of the 14th General Programme of Work and broader international health policies.
Canada contributed US$ 175 million to the WHO for the 2022-23 biennium and has provided US$ 8.3 million to the Contingency Fund for Emergencies since 2015. Canada currently ranks as the fifth-largest Member State contributor to the organization.
The players
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
Intergovernmental Negotiating Body
This body is tasked with drafting and negotiating an international instrument to strengthen pandemic prevention and response.
The details
The sessions included presentations on emergency response and the ongoing drafting of a pandemic treaty. This treaty is currently being prepared by the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for review by the World Health Assembly.
Timeline
Canada began contributing to the emergency fund in 2015.
Canada contributed US$ 175 million to the WHO during the 2022-23 biennium.
WHO and Canadian officials met for a full day of discussions on 20 November 2023.
The World Health Assembly is scheduled to consider the pandemic treaty in May 2024.
Health Landscape
This strategic meeting aligns national contributions with the framework established by the 14th General Programme of Work. The process follows the global effort to codify pandemic response protocols into binding international agreements.
These international negotiations directly influence the availability and standardization of global health resources and emergency protocols. Policies developed by the WHO shape how countries implement health safety measures and pandemic preparedness for all citizens.
The takeaway
Ongoing collaboration between major contributors and international health agencies ensures that global pandemic response systems remain adequately funded and strategically aligned. These diplomatic efforts are essential for establishing the infrastructure needed to manage future health emergencies.
What happens next
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body will present a draft pandemic treaty to the World Health Assembly for consideration in May 2024.
Further reading
For more information on the ongoing international response to health crises, visit the COVID-19 section.
