The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to make significant strides in strengthening the global clinical research ecosystem.

Following the successful first Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF) held in Geneva in November 2023, WHO recently hosted a stakeholder consultation on 18 and 19 June, 2024, to advance the actions agreed upon the initial forum.

The GCTF initiative aims to:

• Build sustained, strong clinical research capacities,
• Improve efficiencies in the ecosystem, &
• Enable the adoption of innovations in clinical trials globally.

This follow-up meeting brought together over 50 clinical trials leaders from around the world, including ADVANCE-ID’s Prof Li Yang Hsu, Vice Dean (Global Health), at the Saw Swee Hock School Of Public Health, along with virtual participants, to discuss key issues such as enhancing collaborations, optimising existing resources, and WHO’s leadership role in global clinical trials. Participants shared insights from diverse countries and discussed actions on regulation, ethics, research transparency, and community engagement, with a focus on developing a draft global plan to fortify clinical trials infrastructure and improve health outcomes worldwide.

Much progress has been since the first forum, but much more still needs to be done. ADVANCE-ID and The Saw Swee Hock School Of Public Health at the National University of Singapore is committed to supporting the World Health Organization in its efforts to advance worldwide clinical research capabilities.