Non-State actors

For WHO to fulfil its leadership role in global health, it proactively engages with non-State actors for the advancement and protection of health for all. Non-State actors bring the voices and experiences of different parts of society, millions of patients and health professionals into WHO’s work. Non-State actors include:

• nongovernmental organizations
• private sector entities
• philanthropic organizations
• academic institutions.

WHO/Europe interacts with hundreds of non-State actors every year.

WHO’s engagement with non-State actors can bring important benefits to global public health and to the work of the Organization in fulfilling its directing and coordinating role in global health.

Engagements with non-State actors are reviewed and implemented in accordance with WHO’s policies and rules, including the Framework of Engagement with Non-State Actors (FENSA) adopted during the Sixty-ninth World Health Assembly (resolution WHA69.10). FENSA provides a detailed set of rules for WHO’s engagement with the different types of non-State actors.

FENSA ensures all WHO engagements with non-State actors are managed in a transparent manner. Information on non-State actors in official relations with WHO can be found in the publicly available “WHO Register of non-State actors”.

Regional accreditation of non-State actors

Non-State actors can seek regional accreditation with WHO/Europe. Regional accreditation is a privilege that the WHO Regional Committee for Europe may grant to regional nongovernmental organizations, international business associations and philanthropic foundations. It includes an invitation to participate, without the right to vote, in meetings of the Regional Committee and the opportunity to submit written and/or oral statements through WHO/Europe. Applications for accreditation are accepted year-round, with full details available at the link below.