Event highlights
WHO/Europe has officially launched Tier 3 of the ELA, bringing together chief medical officers (CMOs) and senior public health leaders from across the WHO European Region. This new platform is designed to strengthen public health leadership, foster collaboration and support united action on shared challenges.
Hosted by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and organized together with Professor Walter Ricciardi, Co-Director of ELA Tier 3, the launch welcomed participants from 20 Member States, fostering open, peer-led dialogue on public health leadership in today’s complex and fast-changing environment.
“Tier 3 is a trusted space created by, and for, senior health leaders,” said Dr Kluge in his opening remarks. “This launch marks a critical step in building a lasting community of practice where CMOs can share real-world challenges, explore innovative solutions and strengthen public health leadership together.”
Tackling real-world challenges
The event on 10–11 March 2025 featured scenario-based sessions co-led by public health leaders including Dr Bertrand Draguez (CMO, Belgium), Dr Rita Sá Machado (CMO, Portugal), Dr Tony Holohan (former CMO, Ireland), Dr Anniki Laas (CMO, Estonia), and Dr Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat (Director of the Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO/Europe).
They focused on 2 critical issues:
- managing misinformation and mistrust in public health
- the growing mental health impact of social media, especially among youth.
Participants shared real-life experiences and leadership dilemmas, reinforcing the need for peer support and platforms for knowledge exchange.
Platform for connection and action
While the launch meeting served as a milestone in itself, participants agreed that its true value lies in what comes next. The group expressed a strong desire to co-create a sustainable, low-burden network with flexible formats for staying connected.
Looking ahead, key actions include:
- building a secure platform for real-time dialogue
- regular thematic exchanges and joint simulations
- the next Tier 3 meeting in Rome, Italy, in October 2025.
“Building trust among ourselves is a first step. But this platform can also help build public trust by supporting more transparent, evidence-based and coordinated leadership across the Region,” said one participant.
WHO/Europe’s continued commitment
By anchoring Tier 3 in real needs and shared values, WHO/Europe is supporting CMOs and high-level officials in an increasingly complex public health landscape.
“Tier 3 reflects the spirit of the European Programme of Work – united action for better health,” said Professor Ricciardi. “It creates space for honest dialogue and mutual support, which are essential for public health to thrive in the 21st century.”
A strategic investment in health leadership
The ELA was established under the European Programme of Work in response to Member States’ calls for stronger health leadership, more resilient health systems and deeper cross-border collaboration. Tier 3 completes the 3-tier model – which includes Tier 1 for early-career and Tier 2 for mid-level professionals – by bringing together top-level decision-makers to share experiences, challenges and leadership strategies.
Event notice
We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of Tier 3 of the Pan-European Leadership Academy (ELA), an advanced programme dedicated to building the skills of senior health leaders across the WHO European Region. This new tier is designed specifically for Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and high-level public health officials, focusing on leadership in health system transformation, crisis management and cross-sector collaboration.
The Tier 3 launch event will take place in March 2025, led by Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, and Professor Walter Ricciardi from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. This immersive gathering will offer a unique platform for CMOs to engage with “transformers” who have led successful health reforms; participate in practical, scenario-based training; and connect with peers from across the Region.
A preparatory briefing is planned for early December to share insights into the programme’s goals, unique offerings and approach, setting the stage for full participation and engagement.
Stay tuned for more updates on Tier 3 of the ELA as we move closer to the launch and continue building leadership excellence across the Region!
The Pan-European Leadership Academy was officially launched in 2021. It contributes to the objectives of the European Programme of Work, strengthening human resources for health in research, policy and practice by providing structured opportunities for learning and professional development.
This page was updated on 24 January 2025 to reflect the new dates of the meeting, which will now take place on 10-11 March 2025, and not on 15 March 2025 as previously stated.