DATE: 27 May 2024
TIME: 7:45 – 8:45 CEST (Geneva)
Building on discussion at the WHO Executive Board in January 2024 (see joint statement) and the WHO-hosted information session in March 2024, this side event will offer the opportunity for Member States and stakeholders to learn more about social connection as a public health priority and showcase domestic government efforts. Hosted by the United States government and co-hosted by fellow Executive Board statement signatories Japan, Kenya, Morocco and Sweden, this event will make a compelling case for greater national and global action on social connection.
Objectives
- Offer headline overview of social connection as an emerging public health priority, and WHO response (Commission on Social Connection)
- Showcase national government efforts on tackling social isolation and loneliness
- Represent first in-person convening of Member States on the issue
Speakers
- Dr Vivek Murthy, Surgeon-General, United States of America
- Ms Alana Officer, Unit Head – Demographic Change and Healthy Ageing, World Health Organization
- Dr Masami Sakoi, Vice-Minister for Health, Chief Medical and Global Health Officer, Japan
- Dr Khalid Ait Taleb, Minister of Health and Social Protection, Morocco
- Mr Jakob Forssmed, Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health, Sweden
Translation will be provided via QR code at the venue. Light breakfast will be served.
Spaces are highly limited. To express interest in participation, please email csc@who.int by 24 May 2024 (Friday) with the subject line 'Expression of Interest – WHA77 side event' and your details.