Networking Break 4
Participation in action
Wednesday, 30 September 2026 | 11:45-12:15 | Press Centre
Organised by Gesundheit Österreich GmbH (Austrian National Public Health Institute) and the Institute for Health and Environment (IZO)
Trust, social cohesion, and the legitimacy of health systems depend on the meaningful participation of people in decisions affecting their health and well-being. Recent WHO resolutions on Social Participation (2024) and Social Connection (2025) have strengthened the mandate for more inclusive and participatory approaches to health governance, policy, and decision-making.
This networking break marks the launch of two WHO Collaborating Centres: the WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Participation for Health and Care (Austria) and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Youth Participation in Governance for Health (Slovenia). Together, they will support countries and institutions in translating commitments into action by generating evidence, strengthening capacities, and promoting participation across all levels of health systems and throughout the policy cycle.
The session will highlight how social participation can strengthen trust, improve policy responsiveness, and contribute to more resilient and equitable health systems. Participants will learn how both centres will support WHO, Member States, and civil society in institutionalising participation across Europe.
SPEAKERS
- Herwig Ostermann, Executive Director, Gesundheit Österreich GmbH
- Vesna Kerstin Petrič, Head of Office for cooperation with WHO, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia
- Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director, Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe
- Daniela Rojatz, Senior Health Expert and Project Lead, Gesundheit Österreich GmbH
- Judith delle Grazie, Head of Department, Ministry for Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Austria
Further speakers to be announced
