GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – More than 240 organizations have joined Together for Science and Health, a global movement launched by the World Health Organization to strengthen trust in science and use it to improve health and development. The launch took place on Tuesday, November 10, World Science Day for Peace and Development. Twelve events were held across countries and regions, including in Paris and Geneva.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and French President Emmanuel Macron led the launch, which is closely associated with the Paris Peace Forum. The forum is one of France’s flagship platforms for international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation. The partnership reflects France’s commitment to mobilizing global actors around shared challenges, WHO said. The movement unites scientists, policymakers, leaders and institutions. Organizations can join by endorsing a Declaration of Commitment and completing an affiliation form.
“Science is one of humanity’s most powerful tools, and has always been the engine of better health,” Tedros said. The WHO chief pointed to vaccines, medicines, disease prevention and outbreak response as examples of how science has helped people live longer and healthier lives. WHO and its partners will champion evidence, trust and innovation through the movement, Tedros said. The effort builds on WHO’s 2026 World Health Day theme, Together for health. Stand with science.
Evidence at the center of policy
Together for Science and Health will drive collective action in three areas. It aims to bring science and society closer together, strengthen the use of evidence in health policymaking and improve how science is communicated and discussed. Members will exchange effective approaches, resources and lessons, and build practical partnerships to make sure scientific progress benefits everyone. Members are also expected to contribute their expertise and networks. WHO said this will help strengthen trust.
WHO said many of the biggest advances in health were possible because people, families and communities trusted scientific evidence and supported turning it into action. Science underpins everything from detecting diseases to responding to outbreaks and improving care. The launch comes months after the United States completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization in January. The withdrawal ended decades of U.S. membership in the global health body.
AI reshapes health information
Sylvie Briand, WHO’s Chief Scientist, said no institution, country or community can build and sustain trust on its own. Briand described the movement as a space for dialogue and collaboration rather than polarization. Science is a shared resource that can help build healthier, fairer and more resilient societies, Briand said, adding that shaping its future is everyone’s responsibility. Briand also serves as Assistant Director-General a.i. for Health Systems, Access and Data.
Rapid technological change and artificial intelligence are quickly transforming how people find, interpret and share scientific and health information. The movement will help people engage with evidence and use it with confidence. Global health leaders have also backed country-led AI tools for disease control. WHO is inviting organizations and institutions worldwide to join, share their expertise and help ensure trusted science leads to better health for all.