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From Voices to Action: Patient Organisations Shaping Health System Transformation
GPC 2025 will spotlight the power of patients’ voices and lived experiences in shaping health systems that are truly co-created with, by, and for patients worldwide, and underscore why the role of patients' organisations has never been more vital during this moment of profound change in global health.
While global policies, guidelines, and frameworks offer direction, ambition, and alignment, it is at the national and local levels where their real-world impact is truly felt. In turn, what happens on the ground must feed back into the global agenda, shaping and refining international commitments. Without this continuous loop of alignment, learning, and adaptation, global policies risk becoming disconnected from the very needs they are meant to address, and ultimately losing their potential for meaningful, lasting impact.
GPC 2025 will explore how health systems can become more responsive, but also more inclusive and sustainable, when patient voices are truly embedded in governance, policy making, service design and delivery. This involves creating environments where patients, people with lived experience and patient organisations have the legitimacy and resources to make decisions in health, either at national, regional or international levels.
The congress will embody the social participation agenda, not only as a foundational value but also as a strategic driving force and unifier for advancing universal health coverage (UHC) that leaves no one behind. While both UHC and social participation represent globally relevant targets, the means through which they are pursued are generally chosen and implemented at national and local levels. In deciding which strategy to adopt, each country faces specific challenges that are determined by a combination of political, social, and economic circumstances. This represents a pivotal opportunity for patient organisations to mobilise, hold governments accountable, and drive change in health systems.
A key outcome of our GPC 2025 will be the launch of the Patient Charter on Social Participation, an advocacy tool and unifying call to action for patient organisations across the globe. The Charter will encompass clear principles and commitments to demand meaningful social participation in health system governance at the national level, and empower patient organisations to hold governments and health institutions accountable for truly inclusive decision-making.
GPC 2025 will also offer a 1-hour panel debate between patient representatives and industry partners on best practices for co-creation with patients in medicines R&D.
Format
The congress will run in a hybrid format for two days and feature plenaries, breakout forums for in-depth discussions, and hands-on sessions, including a hackathon – all co-designed with patients.
One highlight will be a panel debate between patient representatives and industry partners exploring best practices for co-creation in health innovation.
To read more about the congress agenda, visit the GPC 2025 Programme.
Registration options and fees can be found on the GPC 2025 Registration page.