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EFAD participated as a non-state actor at the 74th session of the WHO Regional Office for Europe (#RC74CPH) held in Copenhagen, represented by President Annemieke van Ginkel-Res (left) and Executive Director Wineke Remijnse (right). This session provided an invaluable platform for EFAD to engage with key health leaders and contribute to policy dialogues shaping the future of health in Europe.
EFAD’s involvement underscores our commitment to equitable health policies, aligning closely with Dr Hans Kluge’s focus on health plans that prioritize equity, solidarity and trust. Together with WHO, EFAD aims to advance critical goals, including national health security, climate resilience and strengthening primary healthcare systems. Central to our involvement is our commitment to the core principle of leaving no one behind, a pillar of the EFAD Budapest Resolution.
Key Statements Endorsed by EFAD
At #RC74CPH, EFAD endorsed several key joint statements, each reflecting our shared goals with partners:
- NSA Engagement Plan by EPF:
EFAD supports EPF’s endorsement of WHO Europe’s new NSA Engagement Framework. This initiative seeks to deepen collaboration with non-state actors, enhancing their role in shaping and supporting health policy and action plans. The framework strengthens the role of organizations like EFAD in contributing to holistic, inclusive healthcare policies.
- Innovation for Public Health Strategy (2025-2030) by EUPHA:
EFAD endorses EUPHA’s call for a ‘quintuple helix’ approach—facilitating cooperation among academia, industry, environmental groups, civil society, and government. This collaborative model aims to tackle pressing public health challenges, including chronic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and urban health concerns, with innovative, cross-sectoral strategies.
- Regional Director’s Report on WHO Europe’s 2023-2024 Work by EPHA:
EFAD co-signed a joint statement led by EPHA in response to the WHO Regional Director’s annual report. This statement commends WHO’s progress on universal health coverage, NCD prevention, AMR initiatives, and climate-responsive health policies.
Our Role as a Non-State Actor
As a WHO-recognized non-state actor, EFAD values the opportunity to represent dietitians across Europe and contribute to key policy discussions on health and nutrition. With our status renewed for ongoing collaboration, we will continue championing actions that align with our Budapest Resolution’s vision of inclusive, accessible healthcare.
The WHO Engagement Plan with non-state actors (NSAs) offers a good opportunity to enhance engagement through three key areas: dialogue that better informs engagement; institutionalization that enables more systematic engagement; and collaboration that integrates NSAs into the WHO Regional Office for Europe’s ways of working both at the regional and country level.
EFAD remains dedicated to working alongside WHO and other partners to bring this mission to life, helping to create a Europe where no one is left behind in accessing essential, high-quality healthcare.
