The World Health Organization’s (WHO) first ever Investment Round reached a high watermark today at the G20 Leaders’ Summit here in Rio de Janeiro. Chaired by Brazilian President H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, G20 heads of state and government underlined strong support for the sustainable financing of WHO while a number of countries are to make new financial commitments during this summit. The incoming 2025 G20 Chair, South Africa, also committed to keeping the focus of securing long-term financing for the organization into the following year.
The G20 Leaders’ Declaration strengthened the central position of WHO in the world health system by requesting “sufficient, predictable, transparent, flexible, and sustainable financing” to be made available for WHO activities. It also supported the Investment Round as a key mechanism for financing WHO’s strategic initiatives.
The Investment Round seeks to support WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, which will save an extra 40 million lives during the next four years. As part of this initiative, a lot has been accomplished so far in transforming the funding model of WHO into something predictable and resilient for future challenges.
Australia, Indonesia, Spain, and the United Kingdom made new funding pledges at the Summit. Those four, along with several others signed during the meeting, and expected partnerships bring total commitments to US$ 1.7 billion. Altogether, WHO secured US$ 3.8 billion for the next four years, which will cover 53% of the US$ 7.1 billion required to meet its strategy for 2025–2028. Efforts will continue to bridge the remaining funding gap, ensuring that WHO can meet its global health objectives.
The Investment Round has broadened WHO’s donor base, with 70 new pledges from both member states and philanthropic or private sector donors. Notably, 39 of these are first-time contributors, including seven low-income and 21 middle-income countries, marking a significant shift towards more inclusive global health financing. In addition, 46 donors have made flexible funding commitments, allowing WHO to apply resources at the point of need.
The investment round is expected to strengthen WHO’s operational capabilities, thus enabling the organization to better plan and respond in the event of future health crises, including pandemics.
As the Investment Round continues, WHO anticipates further pledges in the months ahead. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed gratitude to all contributors, thanking President Lula for hosting the culmination event and acknowledging the continued leadership of South Africa in 2025.
