At the World Health Summit in Berlin on October 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) secured nearly US$ 1 billion in new and reaffirmed funding commitments, showcasing significant global support for the organization’s health initiatives. This included US$ 700 million in new funding from European countries, foundations, and other partners, as well as US$ 300 million in reaffirmed commitments.

The pledges were made at the WHO Investment Round Signature Event, co-hosted by Germany, France, and Norway, and aimed to support WHO’s mission of improving global health outcomes through its Fourteenth General Programme of Work (2025-2028). The plan was endorsed by WHO’s 194 member states at the World Health Assembly in May 2024. The Investment Round, launched at the Assembly, seeks to secure predictable and flexible funding for the organization to effectively partner with countries in implementing its health strategy.

Key leaders at the event included German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Wellcome CEO John-Arne Røttingen, and Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates. Chancellor Scholz announced Germany’s commitment of nearly US$ 400 million over the next four years, including more than US$ 260 million in new voluntary funding. Scholz emphasized the importance of providing WHO with sustainable financing to enable it to plan ahead and respond to global health emergencies.

Global health organizations also made substantial contributions, with Wellcome pledging US$ 50 million and several foundations, including the World Diabetes Foundation and Resolve to Save Lives, committing US$ 10 million each. The WHO Foundation’s CEO, Anil Soni, revealed a US$ 50 million pledge from the Foundation, part of a larger US$ 57 million commitment from Foundation S and Sanofi, along with contributions from other private sector partners such as Boehringer Ingelheim and Novo Nordisk.

In addition to European governments and health foundations, African nations have been actively participating in the Investment Round. Mauritania's Health Minister, representing the African Union, reiterated their commitment to ensuring the success of the funding round.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his gratitude to the donors and partners, acknowledging the challenges of securing resources in a time of competing global priorities. He called on all Member States and partners to continue their support ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit in Brazil, where further commitments are expected.

The Berlin event, moderated by former news anchor Isabelle Kumar, concluded with a musical performance by the group Quire, symbolizing the unity and resolve of global leaders to ensure WHO’s capacity to address pressing health challenges. This marks a key milestone in WHO’s fundraising efforts, with further developments anticipated at next month’s G20 Summit.