Special Remarks

Panel discussion

Many aspects of modern healthcare—from hospital infrastructure to insurance models—are still rooted in 20th-century designs and methodologies. As demographics shift, medical advancements accelerate, and patient expectations evolve, healthcare systems must adapt to remain effective and sustainable. Future-ready healthcare requires rethinking hospital planning, financing models, and service delivery to better accommodate aging populations, digital health innovations, and personalized medicine. Exploring the key priorities for transformation will be essential to ensuring that healthcare systems are resilient, efficient, and equipped to meet the demands of the coming decades.

Why now?

The global health spending (expenditures with regards to healthcare services and goods) as a share of GDP is projected to rise steadily from 2024 to 2029, increasing by 0.2 percentage points. By 2029, it is expected to reach a new peak of 6.31%, from 6.07% in 2024.

Impact goals

Identify future challenges and concrete pathways to future-proofing health systems in light of emerging megatrends.

Guiding questions:

• What are the key megatrends that will shape health systems of the next decades?
• Where are the 3 most important areas for action in order to future-proof the healthcare systems in the region and globally?
• For each of these areas of action what types of solutions are needed?
• What approaches can be taken to address both the challenges and opportunities these trends 
  present?

Panel discussion

Global and national development actors, along with philanthropic organizations, have been instrumental in driving public health progress over the past decades, achieving milestones such as polio vaccination, improved sanitation, and enhanced maternal and child health. As health challenges continue to evolve, new priorities are emerging in areas such as infectious disease control, health equity, and sustainable healthcare systems. This shift demands stronger collaborations and innovative approaches from both new and established leaders in global health, as they work together to create lasting, transformative impact.

Why now?

In 2023, global development assistance for health declined to USD 64.6 billion. If health remains a priority for development partners, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation forecasts that this assistance will further decrease to USD 50.6 billion by 2030. However, if other sectors take priority, it could potentially fall to USD 36.7 billion.

Impact goals

Create a shared understanding among stakeholders on future priorities for impact and how collaboration among stakeholders can be strengthened to address them.

Guiding questions:

• What specific actions can be taken today to tackle the most urgent global health challenges?
• What are the priorities for impact for the next 5-10 years?
• Where is collaboration and pooling of resources most important in light of the changing development landscape?
• Who should take the lead in addressing these priorities?
• What is the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing health equity?

Panel discussion

With rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatening global health, both scientific innovation and policy action are crucial. Researchers are actively exploring alternatives to traditional antibiotics, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), plant-based antimicrobials, phage therapy, bacteriocins, vaccines, and CRISPR-based treatments. These emerging solutions offer potential breakthroughs in infection control and new commercial opportunities in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. However, their success depends on strong regulatory frameworks, investment, and global cooperation. This discussion will explore the viability, scalability, and regulatory pathways of these innovations, as well as the role of policymakers in shaping regulations, fostering sustainable innovation, and driving international collaboration to safeguard global health.

Why now?

The World Bank estimates that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) can potentially incur USD 1 trillion in additional healthcare costs by 2050 along with USD 1 trillion to USD 3.4 trillion GDP losses by 2030.

Impact goals

Increased investment in most promising opportunities to address AMR.

Guiding questions:

• What are the most promising opportunities for next-generation antimicrobial therapies, both commercially and for public health?
• How can research and development be better incentivized to prevent future pandemics and combat 
  AMR?
• What role should international collaboration, public-private partnerships, and philanthropy play in advancing AMR solutions?
• How can regulatory, financing, and health systems frameworks ensure equitable access to new antimicrobial technologies?

Panel discussion

Globally, the discussion in investment and policy circles has increasingly turned to several systemic risks in the food chain, including misuse of antibiotics in livestock, overuse of agrochemicals in agriculture, and more. Policy makers and investors are looking for solutions that will work against compromising food system resilience, combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and encourage less use of harmful substances like endocrine disruptors as these practices pose significant risks to both human health and environmental sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach between the health, food, and investment sectors to reform and build a healthier, more sustainable food chain, essential for protecting both public health and the planet’s future.

Why now?

The convergence of public health threats—from rising antimicrobial resistance to the pervasive impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals—demands urgent action. At the same time, climate change, population growth, and shifting dietary patterns are placing unprecedented pressure on food systems. This is a pivotal moment to align agriculture and health goals, rethink incentives, and scale sustainable solutions that protect human well-being and the planet.

Impact goals

To foster cross-sector collaboration between the health, environmental, and food system communities to drive policy, innovation, and investment that reduce harmful agricultural practices, safeguard public health, and build a more sustainable, resilient food system.

Guiding questions:

• How are current agricultural practices impacting public health, and what reforms are needed to reverse these trends?
• How can policy, incentives, and innovation reduce antibiotic misuse and harmful chemical exposure in food systems?
• What role can public and private sector leaders play in advancing sustainable, health-focused agriculture?
• What are the opportunities for investment and international collaboration to accelerate the transition toward a safer, more resilient food future?

Panel discussion

The increasing reliance on advanced drugs and medical technologies has made healthcare supply chains more complex and vulnerable to disruptions. Material shortages, geopolitical instability, and logistical challenges can threaten patient safety and treatment continuity. To address these risks, healthcare systems must adopt proactive strategies to enhance supply chain resilience, ensuring consistent access to critical medicines and equipment. Strengthening collaboration between healthcare providers, governments, and industry leaders will be essential to creating more adaptive, sustainable, and secure supply networks for the future of global health.

Why now?

In 2023, 93% of healthcare providers experienced widespread product shortages. As of 2024, the Supply Chain Resiliency Report highlights 80% of healthcare providers and 84% of suppliers expect supply chain challenges to worsen or remain the same.

Impact goals

Reduce risks in health supply chains by informing and motivating collaboration among healthcare providers and governments.

Guiding questions:

• Where are the most important risks from a regional perspective?
• What are some of the solutions that have worked in countries around the world?
• What are examples of successful collaboration among healthcare providers and governments to reduce supply chain risks in health?
• What are key success factors for these collaborations and how can they be replicated?

Panel discussion

In an era of rapid change, hospital CEOs are at the forefront of reshaping healthcare delivery, driving innovation, and ensuring patient-centered care. This panel brings together four top hospital executives to share their insights on navigating challenges such as workforce shortages, financial sustainability, digital transformation, and evolving patient expectations.

Why now?

Hospital CEOs are increasingly leading system-wide transformation as healthcare faces mounting pressures and new opportunities driven by digital innovation, workforce shifts, and evolving patient expectations.

Impact goals

Surface shared strategies for advancing innovation, workforce resilience, and financial stewardship within complex healthcare environments.

Guiding questions:

• How are hospital leaders balancing short-term operational pressures with long-term transformation  goals in today’s evolving healthcare landscape?
• What strategies are proving most effective in responding to workforce shortages and building more resilient, empowered teams?
• How are digital innovation and data integration being leveraged to improve patient outcomes and streamline care delivery?
• In a time of rising costs and shifting reimbursement models, what does financial sustainability look like for leading health systems?

Panel discussion

This session explores how large-scale population health initiatives, such as biobanks and preventive health programs, can enhance the resilience and sustainability of healthcare systems. By enabling early disease detection, data-driven decision-making, and precision medicine, these initiatives help reduce long-term healthcare costs, improve health equity, and strengthen preparedness for future health challenges. The discussion will highlight how leveraging population health data can drive more efficient, personalized, and proactive healthcare solutions.

Why now?

With chronic diseases causing over 70% of global deaths and healthcare spending projected to hit $11 trillion by 2030, there is an urgent need to shift from reactive care to proactive, precision-based approaches. Biobanks and national health research programs are proving the potential of population health innovation to drive this transformation.

Impact goals

Highlight how population health initiatives—like biobanks, early detection programs, and health data integration—can strengthen health system sustainability and resilience.

Guiding Questions

• How can population health initiatives such as biobanks and preventive programs improve early detection and long-term health outcomes?
• What are the key enablers of innovation in population health—from data governance to public engagement—and how can they be strengthened?
• How can population health data be leveraged to drive equity, efficiency, and preparedness across healthcare systems?
• What are the challenges and opportunities in scaling population health innovations within and across countries?

Panel Discussion

As aging populations grow and the prevalence of chronic conditions rises, traditional health funding and insurance models are under increasing strain. At the same time, medical advancements and digital health innovations are transforming how care is delivered. Harnessing data-driven approaches – such as predictive analytics, personalized risk assessments, and value-based care models – could pave the way for more efficient, affordable, and outcome-focused healthcare systems. Exploring these novel models will be key to ensuring sustainable financing, improving patient outcomes, and making quality care more accessible in the years ahead.

Why now?

Population ageing is accelerating in almost all countries around the world: by 2074, the global population aged 65 and older is expected to reach 20.7% from 10.3% in 2024, while the number of people aged 80 and above is projected to more than triple. 

Impact goals

Support the implementation of promising, new, data-driven funding models for healthcare in countries with aging populations.

Guiding questions:

• How can data be leveraged to ensure more affordable care and better outcomes?
• What are the most promising tools under development?
• How can regulation and collaboration support the roll out of the most promising tools?

Panel discussion

The doctor of the future will need to seamlessly integrate hard and soft skills, combining medical expertise with technological proficiency and human-centered care. As AI-driven diagnostics, advanced imaging, and digital health tools reshape primary care, physicians must adapt to new training models that emphasize both technical fluency and emotional intelligence. Mastering emerging technologies while maintaining empathy, critical thinking, and communication will be essential to delivering effective, patient-centered care. At the same time, addressing global healthcare workforce shortages requires reimagining medical education. Scalable solutions—such as AI-assisted learning, virtual simulations, and standardized cross-border training—can expand access to quality education and upskilling opportunities. By investing in innovative learning models, we can equip the next generation of healthcare professionals with the skills needed to navigate a rapidly transforming healthcare landscape while ensuring equitable access to care worldwide.

Why now?

AI tools are showing promise—reducing missed detections by up to 70% and taking over routine tasks—while technologies like micro-CTs and micro-MRIs are emerging as key growth areas. Yet despite these advances, surveys consistently show that patients still value empathy and personal connection. At the same time, the world could face a shortage of 10 million health workers by 2030, with the largest gaps in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Impact goals

To reduce global healthcare workforce shortages by identifying promising avenues for international collaboration on medical training and qualifications, while articulating a clear vision of the key trends shaping the medical workforce of the future—empowering stakeholders to make more informed, future ready decisions.

Guiding questions:

• What are the most critical skills gaps in today’s healthcare workforce, and how are they evolving?
• How will AI and advanced diagnostics reshape the role of healthcare professionals—particularly in primary care?
• What training models are needed to equip future doctors with both technological fluency and human centered care skills?
• How can emerging technologies enhance, rather than replace, the doctor-patient relationship?

Panel discussion

Nearly half of the world’s population faces barriers to healthcare due to poverty, geographic isolation, or both. Advances in technology—from AI-powered diagnostics to telemedicine and digital health education—have the potential to bridge this gap by supporting healthcare professionals in delivering timely, effective, and affordable care. By leveraging data-driven tools, remote monitoring, and innovative treatment solutions, technology can enhance early diagnosis, improve treatment planning, and expand healthcare access to underserved communities. The future of global health depends on harnessing these innovations to create more inclusive and equitable healthcare systems.

Why now?

Over half of the global population (about 4.5 billion people) still faces barriers to accessing essential healthcare, according to the WHO. For 1.3 billion of them, the cost of medical care isn’t just a financial burden; it’s a catalyst for deeper economic hardship, pushing individuals and families into poverty or even extreme poverty.

Impact goals

Increase investment in the most promising technology solutions that reduce barriers to accessing essential healthcare.

Guiding questions:

• Which are the most critical barriers that people face when accessing essential healthcare?
• Which barriers to access can be addressed through the most promising technological solutions over the next 5 or 10 years?
• What is the market potential for these innovative solutions and how should these be funded?

Panel Discussion

AI is transforming healthcare by optimizing diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. From surgical intelligence to patient monitoring and personalized care, AI-driven solutions are improving outcomes and efficiency. This session will explore how hospitals and healthcare providers can effectively integrate AI, address challenges in adoption and accessibility, and ensure seamless implementation in clinical workflows.

Why now?

Studies show AI can reduce diagnostic errors by up to 40% and improve operational efficiency by 20–30% in clinical workflows. AI in the operating room is rapidly advancing, with tools that improve efficiency by up to 30%, reduce complications, and unlock underutilized surgical data—transforming how hospitals enhance safety, performance, and outcomes.

Impact goals

To identify scalable, real-world strategies for integrating AI across healthcare delivery—informing policy, investment, and implementation pathways that enhance clinical efficiency, safety, and patient outcomes.

Guiding questions:

• How is AI currently improving diagnosis, treatment, and recovery in real-world healthcare settings?
• What are the biggest barriers—technical, regulatory, or cultural—to scaling AI in clinical workflows, and how can they be overcome?
• How can healthcare systems ensure AI adoption supports equity, privacy, and patient trust while delivering measurable impact?
• What strategic investments and partnerships are essential for scalable, seamless AI integration across diverse health systems?

Panel discussion

Training AI on large health datasets holds immense potential for driving advancements in personalized care, disease prevention, and medical research. However, the challenge of balancing data access with privacy, security, and trust remains a significant barrier. Developing models that allow for responsible data use while protecting sensitive health information will be crucial in maximizing the social and economic benefits of AI in healthcare. Finding this balance is key to ensuring that public goods are prioritized without compromising data security.

Why now?

The global big data in healthcare market is set to grow from USD 50.74 billion in 2024 to USD 145.42 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 11.41%. However, trust remains a challenge, with only 44% of people expressing confidence in AI for healthcare. Concerns are particularly high in countries like the United States, France, and Switzerland (about 40%), while countries like China, India, and Mexico show more trust (around 20%).

Impact goals

Enabling leaders to build systems that ensure trust in data to unlock the full potential of AI in health and healthcare while balancing security and public good.

Guiding questions:

• How can healthcare systems ensure secure and ethical access to large health datasets for AI training
• What strategies can be implemented to foster trust between patients, providers, and AI developers regarding data use?
• How can data-sharing models be designed to protect privacy while enabling advancements in healthcare innovation?

Impulse talk

This session explores the evolving field of biohacking and its potential to revolutionize health optimization. From cutting-edge neuroscience and AI-driven biotechnology to personalized interventions, biohacking is pushing the boundaries of human performance, longevity, and well-being. The discussion will highlight the latest innovations, ethical considerations, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the future of health and self-optimization.

Why now?

Advances in neuroscience, wearable tech, and AI-driven biotechnology are rapidly expanding the frontiers of biohacking—an industry projected to surpass $60 billion by 2028. As individuals increasingly seek to optimize health, cognition, and longevity outside traditional healthcare, 2025 marks a turning point for defining the science, ethics, and accessibility of self-optimization tools.

Impact goals

To explore how emerging biohacking technologies can be responsibly integrated into health systems and personal wellness, guiding stakeholders toward innovation that is ethical, evidence-based, and inclusive.

Guiding questions:

• What are the most promising biohacking innovations currently shaping the future of health optimization
• How can neuroscience, AI, and personalized data be used to safely enhance human performance and well-being?
• What ethical considerations must be addressed as biohacking moves from the fringe to the mainstream?
• How should health systems and regulators engage with the growing consumer demand for self-optimization technologies?

Panel discussion

AI is reshaping the future of drug discovery—from predictive modeling and molecular targeting to clinical trial design and accelerated development timelines. With the open-source release of AlphaFold 3 and continued advancements in machine learning, pharmaceutical innovators are increasingly leveraging AI to identify promising drug candidates, streamline R&D, and tackle complex diseases more efficiently. This panel will bring together leaders applying AI across biotech and pharma to explore emerging targets, evolving platforms, and the real-world impact of AI on drug development today.

Why now? 

AI shows great potential to reduce the cost of introducing a new drug into the market (amounting to USD 1.3 billion on average), one of the most exorbitant health costs. The integration of AI in drug discovery is set to revolutionize pharmaceutical research, with the market projected to surge from USD 1.76 billion in 2024 to USD 13.44 billion by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 20%.

Impact goals

Enable better and more use of AI for drug discovery by creating shared understanding about the opportunities 
and challenges.

Guiding questions:

• How is AI—particularly tools like AlphaFold 3—reshaping the early stages of drug discovery, from target identification to lead optimization?
• What are the most promising therapeutic areas or disease targets where AI is accelerating 
  breakthroughs?
• How can biotech innovators and pharmaceutical companies collaborate to scale AI-driven models while maintaining scientific rigor and regulatory readiness?
• What are the current limitations of AI in drug discovery, and how can the field address challenges related to data quality, model transparency, and validation?

Panel discussion

AI is increasingly poised to revolutionize personalized healthcare by integrating an individual’s genetic, metabolic, lifestyle, and environmental data. This approach promises to optimize prevention and care, offering tailored strategies that could significantly improve health outcomes and extend longevity. The application of AI in this context has the potential to shift healthcare from a one-size-fits-all model to a more precise, individualized approach, transforming how we prevent, diagnose, and manage health throughout life.

Why now?

Breakthroughs such as AI-powered multi-cancer detection tests, patient digital twins, AlphaFold 3, and wearable health technologies are accelerating the shift from reactive treatment to proactive, personalized prevention—enabling earlier interventions, improved outcomes, and a more efficient, data-driven healthcare system.

Impact goals

Identify most promising AI solutions for personalized health interventions to be scaled.

Guiding questions:

• What are the most promising applications of AI for personalized prevention under development?
• What are the main challenges to scaling the adoption of AI in this space?
• How can healthcare providers work with AI companies and governments to remove roadblocks to adoption?

Panel discussion

Brain implants have demonstrated considerable potential in treating conditions like paralysis and Parkinson's disease, showing promising results in clinical trials. However, the introduction of foreign objects into the brain presents distinct risks, including complications related to infection, rejection, and long-term effects on brain function. As this technology advances, understanding both the therapeutic benefits and the potential dangers will be crucial in shaping its future role in treating neurological disorders.

Why now?

The global brain-computer interface market was projected to reach USD 2.44 billion in 2024, with an expected growth rate of 18.15% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.

Impact goals

Raise awareness among stakeholders about expected breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces and related challenges to be addressed.

Guiding questions:

• What is next for brain implants and brain-computer interfaces?
• How might they be further miniaturized and what new approaches or materials could offer breakthroughs for safer, long-lasting implants in the brain – and other organs?
• What are the risks and how can they be managed and regulated? 

Panel Discussion

As health threats grow more complex and interconnected, public health leaders are looking beyond traditional data sources to anticipate and respond to crises. Emerging streams—ranging from mobility and environmental data to wearables, social media, and global travel patterns—are opening new possibilities for early detection and real-time intervention. When integrated with AI and advanced analytics, these tools offer powerful insights into population health trends, particularly in resource-limited settings. This session will explore how innovative approaches to data collection and interpretation are reshaping global health intelligence, and what it will take to ensure these advances are equitable, secure, and scalable.

Why now?

In 2024–2025, over 100 countries expanded digital surveillance systems under the WHO Pandemic Accord, backed by funders like CEPI and the World Bank. AI tools, including large language models, now scan 100,000+ sources daily to detect outbreaks, misinformation, and behavioral risks.

Impact goals

To identify the most promising non-traditional data sources and analytic tools that can enhance early warning systems, improve disease forecasting, and strengthen real-time decision-making in public health at a global scale.

Guiding questions:

• Which emerging data sources show the most promise for strengthening public health intelligence and early detection?
• How can AI and advanced analytics be used to translate complex, large-scale data into actionable health insights?
• What are the key challenges—technical, ethical, or institutional—to integrating non-traditional data into public health systems?
• How can collaboration across sectors unlock the full potential of novel data to build more responsive and equitable health systems?

Panel discussion

Wearables and home health technologies are rapidly evolving from fitness trackers to sophisticated clinical tools that enable real-time monitoring, personalized insights, and proactive care. The next generation of connected health devices—powered by AI and advanced computing—promises to extend care beyond traditional settings, transforming how patients manage chronic conditions, recover from illness, and engage with their health. As these tools grow more accurate, interactive, and data-rich, they hold the potential to shift healthcare from reactive treatment to continuous, patient-centered support. This panel will explore the future of clinical-grade wearables, home diagnostics, and digital therapeutics—and how they’re reshaping prevention, care delivery, and the healthcare experience.

Why now?

In 2024–2025, AI-enabled devices are capable of continuously monitoring vital signs, detecting early deterioration, and feeding real-time data into clinical workflows—ushering in a new era of decentralized, personalized care. With global wearable health tech expected to surpass $200 billion by 2028, the time is now to scale these innovations and ensure they’re meaningfully integrated into healthcare systems.

Impact goals

To identify strategic priorities and cross-sector collaboration opportunities that will accelerate the integration of connected health technologies—such as wearables and home diagnostics—into mainstream care, enabling more proactive, personalized, and scalable healthcare delivery models.

Guiding questions:

• How are wearables and home-based health devices transforming clinical monitoring, chronic 
  disease management, and recovery?
• What are the key considerations for integrating real-time patient data into clinical workflows in a  way that supports—not overwhelms—care teams?
• How can industry leaders, biotech innovators, and care providers collaborate to validate, scale, 
  and personalize home health technologies?
• What are the infrastructure, regulatory, and equity challenges in expanding access to connected 
  health—and how can they be addressed?