In developed countries, institutions for providing public goods, such as health, are well-established, although this has historically been seen as the responsibility of sovereign states. However, in developing countries and at regional and global levels such systems remain fragmented. A key lesson from the Covid-19 pandemic is viewing health as a common good and an engine of economic development—an idea long advocated by experts and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Despite significant economic growth, global health inequities persist. This is primarily due to wealth disparities and inadequate investment in public goods. Poor health outcomes in developing nations hinder progress towards sustainable prosperity, perpetuating a vicious cycle. Crises underscore the impact of underinvestment in health, exacerbating disparities and straining limited resources, particularly in low-income countries.

With the South African presidency concluding its leadership of the Global South G20 and the US taking over amid its mistrust of multilateralism, what does this mean for global health? This session will explore how evidence-based investments can build resilient health systems and foster global cooperation to advance health as a public good.