Sustainable Development CouncilZero Draft
Advancing the Right to Health and Accelerating Multi-Stakeholder Action towards Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
United Nations Conference CentreBangkok, Thailand
For Health. For Equity.
For Human Dignity.
01 About the Declaration
The Bangkok Declaration reaffirms the right to health and calls for accelerated, inclusive action towards Universal Health Coverage by 2030. It brings together governments, parliaments, UN entities, WHO, universities, civil society, youth, health professionals and responsible private-sector actors in a shared commitment to health for all.
2nd World Summit on Sustainable Health and Well-Being
Advancing the SDG health agenda to build resilient, inclusive and accessible health systems for all.
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10 Commitments
We, the organizers, supporting partners and participants of the 2nd World Summit on Sustainable Health and Well-Being (WSSHW),
Present this Zero Draft for consultation and consideration by Governments, parliaments, diplomatic missions, United Nations entities, the World Health Organization and relevant WHO networks, WHO Collaborating Centres, international and regional organizations, health ministries and authorities, medical and public health universities, research institutions, scientists, health professionals, civil society, youth organizations, communities and other relevant stakeholders;
Recalling the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights;
Recalling also the Constitution of the World Health Organization, which recognizes the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right of every human being without distinction;
Reaffirming the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and recognizing the importance of human dignity, equality, non-discrimination and participation in health-related policies and programmes;
Recalling the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the relevance of its provisions concerning the right to health;
Recalling also relevant international human rights instruments concerning children, women and girls, persons with disabilities and other populations experiencing particular barriers to the enjoyment of the right to health;
Reaffirming the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its commitment to leave no one behind and to reach those furthest behind first;
Reaffirming further Sustainable Development Goal 3 and target 3.8 concerning Universal Health Coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all;
Recalling the United Nations General Assembly political declarations concerning Universal Health Coverage, including the Political Declaration of the High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage adopted in 2019 and the Political Declaration adopted in 2023;
Recalling also the Declaration of Alma-Ata on Primary Health Care and the Declaration of Astana on Primary Health Care;
Recognizing that Universal Health Coverage is closely linked to the realization of the right to health, equality and non-discrimination, poverty eradication, social protection and sustainable development;
Recognizing also that Universal Health Coverage encompasses access to essential health services across the life course, including health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care, together with access to essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and health technologies, without financial hardship;
Acknowledging that a human-rights-based approach to Universal Health Coverage requires attention to the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of health services;
Recognizing that equality and non-discrimination require particular attention to populations experiencing poverty, stigma, discrimination and other barriers to healthcare;
Concerned that significant inequalities continue to exist in access to health services and health outcomes within and among countries;
Recognizing further the importance of prioritizing populations and communities that are furthest behind and addressing both financial and non-financial barriers to health services;
Acknowledging the importance of sustainable and equitable health financing and financial protection in reducing health-related impoverishment;
Recognizing the central role of primary health care in achieving Universal Health Coverage and strengthening resilient health systems;
Acknowledging the essential contribution of health and care workers, community health workers, caregivers and communities;
Recognizing further the importance of health research, science, innovation and evidence-informed policy-making;
Acknowledging the potential of digital health, telemedicine, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to contribute to improved access and quality of healthcare, while recognizing the importance of human rights, privacy, safety, transparency and accountability;
Recognizing the increasing health impacts associated with climate change, environmental degradation, pollution, disasters, pandemics, antimicrobial resistance, conflicts and humanitarian emergencies;
Emphasizing the importance of meaningful participation by communities, civil society, youth, health professionals, researchers, academic institutions, parliamentarians and other relevant stakeholders;
Recognizing that achieving Universal Health Coverage requires national ownership, sustained political commitment, appropriate financing, effective governance, international cooperation and a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach;
We therefore put forward the following commitments and calls for consideration and action by relevant stakeholders:
1. We reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing Universal Health Coverage by 2030, consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 and relevant international commitments.
2. We recognize Universal Health Coverage as an important pathway towards the realization of the right to health, human dignity, health equity and sustainable development.
3. We encourage Governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen health policies and programmes based on equality, non-discrimination, participation, transparency and accountability.
4. We encourage health services to be developed and delivered with due attention to availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality, consistent with a human-rights-based approach to health.
5. We call upon all relevant stakeholders to prioritize people and communities that are furthest behind, recognizing that national averages can conceal substantial inequalities in access to healthcare and health outcomes.
6. We encourage Governments, health institutions and partners to identify and address financial, geographical, social, cultural, administrative and other barriers to essential health services.
7. We encourage measures to prevent and address stigma, discrimination and exclusion within health systems and healthcare settings.
8. We invite stakeholders to give particular attention to the needs of children, adolescents and young people, women and girls, older persons, persons with disabilities, migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, Indigenous Peoples, people living in poverty and populations in rural, remote and underserved areas.
9. We reaffirm primary health care as a cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage and resilient health systems.
10. We encourage increased investment in comprehensive, integrated, people-centred and community-based primary health care, including in rural, remote and underserved communities.
11. We encourage greater emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, early detection and health literacy, alongside appropriate curative, rehabilitative and palliative services.
12. We invite health institutions, communities, universities and professional organizations to strengthen community-based approaches to primary health care and prevention.
13. We call upon Governments and relevant stakeholders to strengthen financial protection so that individuals and families do not experience financial hardship as a result of seeking necessary healthcare.
14. We encourage sustainable, equitable and transparent domestic health financing, consistent with national circumstances and priorities.
15. We encourage effective allocation and use of available resources, with particular attention to populations experiencing the greatest health needs.
16. We encourage measures to strengthen public financial management, reduce waste, prevent corruption and improve efficiency and accountability in health expenditure.
17. We invite development partners and relevant international stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and support for countries facing significant resource constraints in advancing Universal Health Coverage.
18. We encourage equitable access to essential health services across the life course, including health promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care.
19. We call upon relevant stakeholders to strengthen access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, medical devices and health technologies.
20. We invite Governments, research institutions, manufacturers, procurement institutions and international partners to strengthen resilient and equitable health-product supply chains.
21. We encourage research and innovation that contribute to affordable and accessible health technologies, particularly for populations and settings with limited resources.
22. We recognize that Universal Health Coverage depends upon an adequate, skilled, equitably distributed and supported health and care workforce.
23. We encourage investment in health-worker education, training, recruitment, retention, professional development and equitable distribution, including in underserved areas.
24. We call upon relevant stakeholders to promote safe, decent and supportive working environments for health and care workers, including protection from violence, discrimination and occupational risks.
25. We encourage recognition of the contribution of community health workers, caregivers and other frontline personnel to health promotion, prevention and access to care.
26. We reaffirm the importance of human rights in the design, financing and implementation of Universal Health Coverage.
27. We encourage policies that promote equality and non-discrimination and that proactively address barriers affecting populations experiencing heightened vulnerability.
28. We recognize the importance of ensuring meaningful participation of affected populations in decisions concerning health priorities, coverage, financing, implementation and monitoring.
29. We encourage transparent and accountable decision-making processes concerning Universal Health Coverage, including appropriate access to information.
30. We invite stakeholders to consider human rights principles in assessing the impact and effectiveness of health policies and programmes.
31. We encourage parliaments and relevant legislative authorities to consider appropriate legislative and regulatory measures supporting equitable access to healthcare and Universal Health Coverage.
32. We recognize the role of parliamentarians in health legislation, budgetary processes, oversight, public accountability and engagement with communities.
33. We encourage Governments and public institutions to strengthen institutional accountability for health commitments and health-system performance.
34. We invite parliamentarians, policymakers and public authorities to promote health policies that are inclusive, evidence-informed, gender-responsive and consistent with relevant human rights principles.
35. We encourage strengthened attention to maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health within Universal Health Coverage strategies.
36. We encourage equitable access to appropriate sexual and reproductive health information and services, consistent with applicable international commitments and national contexts.
37. We recognize young people as partners, innovators, advocates and agents of change in advancing health and well-being.
38. We invite Governments, universities, health institutions and civil society organizations to create meaningful opportunities for youth participation in health policy, research, innovation and community action.
39. We recognize mental health and psychosocial well-being as integral components of health and Universal Health Coverage.
40. We encourage appropriate integration of mental health services within primary health care and community-based health systems.
41. We invite stakeholders to strengthen efforts to address stigma and discrimination associated with mental health and to promote prevention, early intervention and access to appropriate care.
42. We recognize the interconnections between climate change, environmental degradation, pollution and human health.
43. We encourage climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems, including measures to maintain essential health services during climate-related events and other emergencies.
44. We call upon relevant stakeholders to strengthen cooperation on environmental determinants of health, including clean air, safe water, sanitation, food security and healthy environments.
45. We encourage strengthened national, regional and international capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
46. We invite stakeholders to strengthen disease surveillance, early warning systems, laboratory capacities, emergency preparedness and continuity of essential health services.
47. We recognize antimicrobial resistance as a significant challenge to health systems and Universal Health Coverage and encourage coordinated action across relevant sectors.
48. We encourage a One Health approach that recognizes the interconnections among human, animal, plant and environmental health.
49. We call for continued protection of health workers, health facilities and essential health services during humanitarian emergencies, disasters and conflicts, consistent with applicable international law.
50. We recognize the potential of digital health, telemedicine, artificial intelligence, data systems and other technologies to expand access to healthcare and improve health outcomes.
51. We encourage digital transformation that is inclusive and accessible, including for people who face digital, financial, geographical or technological barriers.
52. We invite Governments, researchers, technology developers, healthcare institutions and other relevant stakeholders to promote responsible innovation grounded in human rights, patient safety, privacy, data protection, transparency and accountability.
53. We encourage international cooperation in research, innovation and knowledge-sharing concerning emerging health technologies.
54. We recognize the essential contribution of scientific research and evidence-informed decision-making to Universal Health Coverage.
55. We invite universities, medical institutions, public health schools, research organizations, scientists and WHO Collaborating Centres to strengthen collaboration in health research, education, innovation and capacity-building.
56. We encourage the sharing of research findings, evidence, methodologies, innovations and good practices across countries, regions and disciplines.
57. We encourage research that addresses health inequalities and the needs of populations and communities that remain underserved or furthest behind.
58. We recognize health literacy as an important component of effective Universal Health Coverage and community empowerment.
59. We encourage accessible, accurate, evidence-informed and culturally appropriate health information.
60. We call upon relevant stakeholders to strengthen meaningful community participation in health planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
61. We encourage mechanisms through which communities can provide feedback on health services and contribute to improving their quality, accessibility and responsiveness.
62. We encourage the collection, analysis and responsible use of reliable, timely and appropriately disaggregated health data.
63. We encourage monitoring of Universal Health Coverage using indicators that assess service coverage, quality, equity and financial protection.
64. We encourage particular attention to disparities between population groups and geographic areas and to the progress of populations that are furthest behind.
65. We invite relevant stakeholders to strengthen voluntary reporting, knowledge exchange and accountability mechanisms supporting progress towards Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
66. We call upon Governments, parliaments, United Nations entities, WHO and relevant networks, WHO Collaborating Centres, international and regional organizations, universities, research institutions, healthcare organizations, scientists, health professionals, civil society, youth and responsible private-sector actors to strengthen partnerships for Universal Health Coverage.
67. We encourage partnerships that are transparent, accountable, evidence-informed and consistent with the respective mandates and responsibilities of participating stakeholders.
68. We invite stakeholders to promote South-South, North-South and triangular cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity-building where appropriate.
69. We encourage partnerships that mobilize scientific, technical, financial and institutional resources towards populations and communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities.
70. We encourage continued dialogue and voluntary cooperation among participating stakeholders beyond the WSSHW, recognizing that achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030 requires sustained action.
71. We invite participating organizations and institutions to share voluntary commitments, initiatives, research findings and good practices that contribute to the objectives of this Declaration.
72. We encourage future WSSHW convenings and related stakeholder dialogues to provide opportunities to review progress, exchange experiences and identify areas requiring further cooperation.
73. We recognize that the effectiveness of this multi-stakeholder initiative will depend upon continued engagement, transparency, evidence, accountability and voluntary cooperation among participating stakeholders.
74. We reaffirm our shared commitment to a world in which every person can access the health services they need without discrimination and without suffering financial hardship.
75. We recognize that Universal Health Coverage is not solely a health-sector objective, but is closely connected to human rights, poverty eradication, social protection, equality, education, decent work, environmental sustainability and sustainable development.
76. We encourage all relevant stakeholders to strengthen action that places people, communities, equity, dignity and evidence at the centre of health systems.
77. We call for renewed collaboration and solidarity to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
78. We invite all stakeholders to consider this Zero Draft as a basis for consultation, dialogue, voluntary cooperation and the development of practical commitments towards Universal Health Coverage and the realization of the right to health.
Ten voluntary commitments to guide multi-stakeholder action towards Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Support initiatives that improve access to healthcare among populations and communities experiencing the greatest barriers.
Strengthen community-based and primary health-care systems, particularly in underserved areas.
Support approaches that reduce financial hardship associated with essential healthcare.
Invest in education, training, retention, well-being and equitable distribution of health workers.
Promote research and evidence generation addressing health inequalities and priority health challenges.
Support responsible health innovation, digital health and appropriate applications of artificial intelligence.
Promote meaningful participation of young people and communities in health governance and action.
Support climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable health systems.
Strengthen preparedness for pandemics, antimicrobial resistance and other health emergencies.
Develop voluntary cross-sector, national, regional and international partnerships for UHC.
The Zero Draft remains open for consultation prior to the 2nd World Summit on Sustainable Health and Well-Being.
Distribution of the Zero Draft to invited governments, diplomatic missions, UN and WHO stakeholders, WHO Collaborating Centres, universities, researchers, scientists, health professionals, civil society and other stakeholders.
Collection of written comments, proposed amendments, recommendations and voluntary commitments.
Review of submissions by the WSSHW organizing team and relevant technical and subject-matter contributors.
Discussion of key issues and proposed revisions through WSSHW consultations and relevant stakeholder sessions.
Preparation of a revised text reflecting the consultation process.
Presentation of the revised text to stakeholders participating in the 2nd WSSHW for further discussion and consideration.
Any subsequent version will clearly identify its status and the nature of stakeholder participation and will not be represented as an official United Nations or intergovernmental instrument.
The organizers welcome substantive comments, recommendations, proposed amendments, evidence, regional perspectives and voluntary commitments.
The summit culminates in a shared commitment to sustainable health and well-being — turning dialogue into a practical roadmap for progress. This Zero Draft is presented as a basis for consultation, dialogue, voluntary cooperation and the development of practical commitments towards Universal Health Coverage and the realization of the right to health.
Prepared by: Sustainable Development Council (SDC)
Organizer of the 2nd World Summit on Sustainable Health and Well-Being (WSSHW)
Date of Zero Draft: September 2026
Summit Date: 25 September 2026
Location: Bangkok, Kingdom of Thailand
This document is a non-governmental, multi-stakeholder consultation draft. It is not an official United Nations document, WHO document, intergovernmental declaration or negotiated outcome. References to international instruments and organizations are made for policy and normative context and do not imply endorsement of this Zero Draft by any United Nations entity, WHO, Government, parliament, diplomatic mission, WHO Collaborating Centre or other institution unless separately stated by that institution.