EB158 - EU statement - Item 27.1 - Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2024–2025 and outlook on the Programme budget 2026–2027

WHO

EB158

Item 27.1 – Financing and implementation of the Programme budget 2024–2025 and outlook on the Programme budget 2026–2027

EU Statement

Chair,

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States.

The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova[*] and Georgia as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.

The past year has put the WHO and the whole multilateral system to the test – a test with major financial implications. 

Against this backdrop, it is more important than ever to protect the WHO by ensuring more financial flexibility. Important steps have been taken through the increase of assessed contributions, as agreed at WHA75, which remain the most stable financial basis for the organization. 

Simultaneously, we commend WHO for its ongoing successful efforts to broaden and diversify its donor base, for example through the WHO Investment Round, and strongly encourage Member States to provide predictable and unearmarked contributions. Solidarity and commitment to multilateralism in these times of crisis require more Member State contributors supporting the WHO through multi-annual, flexible and predictable funding. We reiterate our support to these funding reforms to make WHO fit for purpose. 

Funds must support programme budget needs, across all three levels of the organization, and must not be used to advance topics outside the scope of prioritised work within GPW14. In order to enable strategic decision-making, these priority budget needs and funding gaps – particularly persistent pockets of poverty – must be communicated to Member States in a clear and timely manner, so that contributions can be utilized in the most cost-effective way. Thematic funds, investment rounds or collaborations for the strengthening of expertise can be useful additional means to ensure the targeted and efficient use of resources in areas of greatest need.

Our common goal must be for WHO to operate effectively within the reduced programme budget for 2026–2027, while ensuring that Member States’ priorities, are adequately reflected in the organisation’s day-to-day work. To achieve this, we expect transparency, swift and regular updates and continuous exchanges that lead to sustainable results based on national, regional and global priorities. Taking on new areas of work or expanding existing programmes should remain the exception, be budget-neutral and not affect the timely and effective achievement of prioritised work within GPW14. WHO must fulfil its constitutional mandate and key functions – and do so well. 

We thank the Secretariat for the close collaboration and exchanges on the PB2026-2057 and would welcome an update by all six Regional Directors on cost-savings and downsizing efforts. All three levels of the organization should continue to adjust to the new financial realities.

The EU and its 27 Member States remain reliable partners to the WHO during these challenging times. 

[*] North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.