The Covid-19 pandemic triggered a global crisis and disrupted human society in unprecedented ways. Beyond posing a serious threat to human health, it severely impacted the global economy and landscape. The pandemic also laid bare vulnerabilities and shortcomings in the global public health system. Countries reveal notable deficiencies in precise forecasting, effective mobilization, and resource allocation, hindering the timely and efficient prevention and management of potential public health crises. Accordingly, there has never been more imperative need for countries to unite and cooperate in the face of the future public health emergencies.

On May 5th, the WHO announced that Covid-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), signifying the end of the most severe public health crisis in a century. Nevertheless, given the interplay of factors such as climate change, accelerated urbanization, and increased risks to the global economy, humanity remains poised to confront more intricate public health challenges, inevitably encountering the advent of the next major pandemic. Consequently, it is the responsibility of all countries to reflect upon and draw lessons from the past, so as to stand prepared—resolute, collective, and equitable—for forthcoming health emergencies.

To address the pressing concerns amidst the evolving global health landscape, the World Health Forum 2023 (WHF 2023) will focus on Preparing the World for the Next Pandemic. It will explore lessons learnt from Covid-19 pandemic and deliberate on the following themes:

l The strengthening of health system construction and technology;

l Community mobilization and preparedness;

l Pandemic response strategy;

l Medical response and social engagement;

l Technological empowerment;

l Health workforce;

l Global health governance.

WHF 2023 aims to strengthen international cooperation and experience sharing on key public health issues by distinguished scholars, academics, public health experts, international organization leaders and stakeholders from various sectors. With multidisciplinary and multi-perspective discussions, the Forum endeavors to explore “how to improve the global health governance system and form a stronger international synergy to prepare and respond to future pandemics,” thereby advancing the development of a community of common health for mankind.

The World Health Forum was initiated by Tsinghua University in 2021. It provides a platform for dialogue, academic exchange and experience sharing, to strengthen capacity building and system building of global health governance, and to contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the building of a community of common health for mankind.