Recognized as the international capital of health, Geneva stands out not only for hosting major institutions, but for its unique ecosystem of initiatives, events, and collaborations that actively shape the global health agenda.
Throughout the year, the city convenes key moments that bring together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and innovators. Each May, the World Health Assembly turns Geneva into the epicenter of global health decision-making. Major events such as the Geneva Health Forum 2026, the global AI summit in 2027, and IAS 2027 further demonstrate Geneva’s ability to connect science, innovation, and policy.
This momentum is reinforced by recurring gatherings that structure the global health and humanitarian community, including AidEx Geneva, the Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Weeks, and the many side events held alongside the WHA. In parallel, major initiatives — such as the revision of the Sphere humanitarian standards and global health training programmes led by SSPH+ — contribute to advancing practices and strengthening capacities worldwide.
At the center of this ecosystem, the Geneva Health Forum plays a key role as a facilitating platform, helping to connect stakeholders, showcase initiatives, and foster collaboration throughout the year.
It is this unique combination of high-level events, transformative initiatives, and engaged actors that makes Geneva a true living laboratory for global health.
The GHF biennal conference will take place from November 10 to 12, 2026 at the Campus Biotech.
Under the theme “Rethinking Cooperation in Global Health”, this edition aims to critically reassess international cooperation models in light of today’s complex health challenges. The conference will bring together experts, policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and civil society representatives to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and generate actionable solutions.
A central objective of the conference is to amplify the voices of scientists and civil society actors in addressing major global health challenges, ensuring that their expertise and field experience contribute meaningfully to international decision-making processes.
A call for contributions will be launched in early May on the GHF website, inviting the global health community to actively shape the programme.
Each day will focus on a specific topic:
The global humanitarian context is changing rapidly. Climate crises, pandemics, protracted conflicts, and emerging operational risks require humanitarian practices to evolve in order to protect the dignity and safety of affected populations.
This is why Sphere, the NGO behind the Humanitarian Minimum Standards, is launching an open revision of its Handbook. The update aims to reflect recent developments in the sector and to incorporate the experiences and expertise of the international humanitarian community.
We invite organizations and experienced professionals to contribute to this essential process. Whether you are a trainer, technical expert, focal point, or regular user of the Sphere Handbook, your participation can make a real difference.
You can join the process by offering your expertise to:
Participating provides the opportunity to:
Join us in building humanitarian standards that address current and future challenges. To offer your expertise or learn more, contact Sphere today and help create a Handbook that continues to protect lives and dignity worldwide.
The Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+) is a network of leading Swiss universities and institutions dedicated to advancing education and research in public and global health.
SSPH+ offers a wide range of courses covering topics such as epidemiology, health systems, infectious diseases, and health policy. These courses are designed for students, professionals, and anyone interested in international health challenges.
Whether you are looking to deepen your expertise, explore new perspectives, or connect with a global health community, SSPH+ courses provide valuable knowledge and skills to make a real impact in the field.
Explore the courses offered by SSPH+ and take your first step toward contributing to global health solutions.
The International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference is the world’s leading gathering of researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocates working on HIV and related global health issues. It provides a platform to share the latest scientific advances, discuss policy innovations, and strengthen international collaboration in the fight against HIV.
The 2027 edition will take place in Geneva, from 12 to 17 July, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research, exchange experiences, and contribute to shaping the global HIV response.
Whether you are a scientist, clinician, or public health professional, the IAS Conference is the place to connect with the global HIV community and be part of the progress toward ending the HIV epidemic.
Mark your calendar and join us in Geneva for this important event!
The 2027 World Artificial Intelligence Summit will take place in Geneva from March 15 to 18, 2027. This premier global event will bring together AI experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore the latest developments, ethical considerations, and governance of artificial intelligence.
Geneva, as a hub for international diplomacy and innovation, is positioning itself as a global center for AI governance. Hosting the summit reflects the city’s commitment to fostering collaboration, responsible AI development, and global dialogue on technology shaping our future.
Join leaders from around the world in Geneva to engage with cutting-edge AI research, exchange ideas, and help shape the policies that will guide the next era of artificial intelligence
Throughout the year, Geneva hosts a range of major events focused on global health and humanitarian action, reflecting its dynamism as an international capital for health and humanitarian efforts. These gatherings bring together experts, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates from around the world to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and drive innovation.
Key events include:
These events underline Geneva’s unique position as a vibrant center for international cooperation in health, humanitarian action, and human rights.
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Established in 2006 by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE), the Geneva Health Forum (GHF) is a Swiss not-for-profit initiative that brings together a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss and address global health challenges.
The GHF plays a pivotal role in the global health landscape, as a neutral and inclusive platform, fostering dialogue and collaboration among key players in the field, including policymakers, representatives from academia, civil society, and the private sector.
Its core mission is to facilitate constructive dialogue among these global health actors, which, in turn, contributes to the improvement of health policies and access to care worldwide. The Geneva Health Forum proudly collaborates with some of the most prominent international organizations based in Geneva.
