Italy to host Global Health Summit 2021 in May

On 21 May 2021 in Rome, Italy, as chair of the G20, and the European Commission will co-host the Global Health Summit. Details of the event were announced on World Health Day.

The event is an opportunity for G20 and invited leaders, heads of international and regional organizations, and representatives of global health bodies, to share lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and develop and endorse a ‘Rome Declaration’ of principles that in turn can be a powerful guide for further multilateral cooperation and joint action to prevent future global health crises, and for a joint commitment to build a healthier, safer, fairer and more sustainable world.

The Summit will build on the Coronavirus Global Response, a pledging marathon that last year raised close to €16 billion from donors worldwide for universal access to coronavirus treatments, tests and vaccines, as well on the existing work of multilateral institutions and frameworks, notably the World Health Organization and the International Health Regulations. Other health initiatives and processes, including those taking place in the G20  and G7, will also be on the agenda.

“The Global Health Summit is a special event of the Italian G20 Presidency held in cooperation with the European Commission. It will provide a timely opportunity to share the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will discuss how to improve health security, strengthen our health systems and enhance our ability to deal with future crises in a spirit of solidarity,” said Mario Draghi, the Italian Prime Minister.

“The world needs to be better prepared to protect humanity against future pandemics”, added Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission: “We have to learn our lessons, and all countries need to better work together for improving global health security. To support these efforts the European Union will co-host a Global Health Summit with the Italian G20 Presidency.“