The G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, chaired by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, marked a pivotal moment for global health as the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded its first-ever Investment Round. Leaders from around the world expressed strong support for sustainable financing for WHO, with new financial commitments and an assurance from South Africa, the incoming G20 Chair, to prioritize WHO funding in 2025.

The G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders’ Declaration underscored WHO’s central role in global health governance, emphasizing the need for predictable and sustainable financing. The declaration supported the WHO Investment Round as a critical initiative to bolster the organization’s activities. This funding round aligns with WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, a comprehensive strategy aimed at saving 40 million additional lives over the next four years by improving global health outcomes.

The Investment Round has already transformed WHO’s funding model, increasing its predictability and resilience. Financial pledges announced at the summit by Australia, Indonesia, and Spain brought WHO’s total commitments to $1.7 billion. When combined with other funding agreements and anticipated partnerships, the organization has raised $3.8 billion, covering 53% of its $7.1 billion funding target for 2025–2028. This represents a significant improvement compared to 2020, when only 17% of required funding was secured for the previous strategy. Efforts will continue to close the funding gap, ensuring WHO’s ability to deliver on its ambitious goals.

A key achievement of the Investment Round has been the diversification of WHO’s donor base. Since its launch in May, 70 new pledges have been secured, including contributions from seven low-income and 21 middle-income countries. Many of these donors are funding WHO for the first time, reflecting a broad recognition of the importance of investing in health systems and the organization’s pivotal role in global health. Additionally, the number of donors providing flexible funding has risen from 35 in the past four years to 46, enabling WHO to allocate resources more effectively to priority areas.

The expanded and diversified funding base enhances WHO’s ability to plan strategically and respond efficiently to global health crises. By securing more stable and flexible financial support, WHO is positioned to operate with greater agility and impact. More governments and donors are expected to contribute in the coming months, further solidifying the organization’s financial foundation.

World leaders at the summit reaffirmed WHO’s indispensable role in safeguarding global health. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hailed the organization as embodying humanity’s greatest ideals, emphasizing that investments made today will yield exponential returns in well-being and health security for future generations. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for reliable financing from a broad donor base, highlighting the shared benefits of WHO’s work. French President Emmanuel Macron praised WHO as the global compass for health, underscoring the importance of strengthening the world’s pandemic response capacity. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will chair the G20 in 2025, pledged continued focus on WHO’s sustainable financing and the broader goal of achieving health for all.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude for the unprecedented support received during the summit. He emphasized the transformative impact of the Investment Round in ensuring predictable and flexible funding to save lives and prevent diseases. Dr. Tedros acknowledged the leadership of President Lula in hosting this milestone event and welcomed South Africa’s commitment to advancing WHO’s goals during its upcoming G20 presidency.

The successful conclusion of the Investment Round marks a transformative moment for WHO, strengthening its capacity to lead global health initiatives, respond to emergencies, and drive long-term improvements in health systems worldwide. With new pledges and a broadened donor base, WHO is better equipped to deliver on its mission of building a healthier, safer future for all.