Hosted by St. Jude Global and the World Health Organization Working Group on Palliative Care, the Global Action Forum for Palliative Care brought together leaders, experts, and partners from 23 countries in Dubai on September 8. The event convened 42 participants from WHO Collaborating Centres, civil society and global organizations, each committed to strengthening leadership and coordination to expand access to palliative care for all people living with serious illness.
The forum focused on shaping a shared vision for equitable and compassionate palliative care worldwide. Guided by human-centered design, participants co-developed projects in four work streams – Country Support, Advocacy, Research, and Technology – to drive practical, collaborative action over the next year. Lacey Ahern, GPIC executive director, co-facilitated the Advocacy Workshop, helping to design strategies that elevate the global voice for palliative care.
Participants engage in an activity establishing that we are stronger together.
GPIC executive director, Lacey Ahern, facilitating discussion with the Advocacy workstream of the WHO Working Group.
Speakers highlighted the power of collective and compassionate leadership, emphasizing the importance of “grit… with gratitude.” In closing reflections, participants recognized that expanding access to palliative care remains a “wicked problem,” one that demands inclusive, adaptive and ethical leadership. Each attendee shared a personal commitment to keep the momentum going.
GPIC is honored to be part of this global movement and inspired by the vision and collaboration driving it forward. The forum was another opportunity to strengthen partnerships, build on the GPIC work started in Dublin earlier this year, and advance meaningful progress together. There is still much to be done – but by joining forces and learning from one another, we can achieve greater impact for patients, families and communities around the world.
Read ehospice for more on the Palliative Care Global Action Forum.