A strong UICC presence at the World Health Assembly, 18-23 May

The 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 18–23 May 2026. As WHO’s main decision‑making body, the World Health Assembly brings together delegations from all 193 WHO Member States, alongside observers, UN agencies and non‑state actors in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHA provides a key forum for governments to agree on global health priorities, adopt resolutions and action plans, and review progress on the implementation of existing commitments. The Assembly also sets the direction for WHO’s work, including its budget, strategies and governance. 

UICC participates in the World Health Assembly as a non‑State actor in official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Key agenda items at WHA79

WHA79 will consider a wide‑ranging agenda, with several items of relevance to UICC and its members:

• Follow‑up to the High‑level Meeting on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including updates to the Global Monitoring Framework and Best Buys
• Universal health coverage, including preparations for the 2027 High‑level Meeting
• The draft updated global action plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
• Health in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
• Data, digital health and artificial intelligence, including governance and standards for the health sector
• Reform of the global health architecture, alongside discussions related to the UN80 initiative
• Budget and finance matters, including the Programme Budget 2026–2027

Discussions at WHA79 are also expected to address broader political and health contexts, including potential candidates for the election of the next Director-General in 2027, the ongoing budget challenges being faced by the WHO and the impact of protracted unrest and conflicts on health.

UICC’s engagement at WHA79

At WHA, UICC will engage on behalf of its members throughout the Assembly to advocate for progress on cancer control. Objectives at WHA79 include:

• Advocating with governments on priority issues such as follow‑up to the 2017 cancer resolution, NCD implementation and financing, global health architecture reform, and proposals related to pain management and access to care .
• Promoting UICC’s policy priorities, including people‑centred cancer care, prevention, integration of cancer into UHC pathways, sustainable financing, and access to quality‑assured medicines.
• Strengthening networks and partnerships with Member States, civil society organisations, academic institutions and experts working across cancer and NCDs.

UICC will also use WHA as an opportunity to connect with members, partners and other stakeholders through side events, briefings and informal exchanges.

Side events and meetings

UICC is hosting and co‑organising a series of in‑person side events in Geneva, focused on advancing policy dialogue and practical solutions related to cancer and NCDs:

• A Lung Cancer Coalition roundtable, convening policymakers and experts to discuss global policy alignment and country implementation tools
• A people‑centred cancer care session, co‑organised with the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, focused on rights, equity and supportive care across the cancer pathway
• A high‑level discussion marking five years of the Global Breast Cancer Initiative, examining progress and priority actions to accelerate implementation
• A UICC–Amgen side event on artificial intelligence in cancer care, examining how AI can support better patient outcomes while addressing issues of governance, safety and equity in real‑world implementation.
• An official side event at WHO HQ marking the one-year anniversary of the Integrated Lung Health Resolution and co-organised with the Ministry of Health of Malaysia, the Republic of Kenya, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, and the Forum of International Respiratory Societies.

To register for one of the events, contact UICC’s membership team at membership@uicc.org.

UICC staff will also participate in a number of partner‑led events throughout the week, addressing topics such as NCD financing, digital health, health systems reform, AMR, and equitable access to care.

Participation opportunities for members

UICC encourages members attending WHA79 to engage with its advocacy efforts by:

• joining UICC side events and partner meetings;
• sharing invitations to relevant events taking place during WHA week;
• supporting advocacy messaging through social media and country‑level engagement.

Members who will be in Geneva during WHA79 and are interested in attending any UICC‑led or co‑organised events are invited to contact the UICC Membership Team (membership@uic.org) for further information.