WHO will take part in the high-level “World Summit on Investing in Children’s Well-being: a Path to Sustainable and Equitable Development for Future Generations” hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan in Samarkand on 21–22 October.
The Summit will bring together government leaders, international organizations, health experts and civil society to advance policies and practical solutions that improve children’s health and well-being, particularly for the most vulnerable.
Investing in children’s health and well-being is essential to building healthier societies and stronger, more resilient health systems. To ensure the healthiest future for every child, WHO’s approach is guided by key international strategies and commitments.
The 2025 United Nations political declaration on noncommunicable diseases and mental health identified addressing childhood cancer as a priority and set a goal of reaching at least 60% survival for children with cancer globally by 2030, building on efforts under the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC).
The WHO/United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) “Child and Adolescent Health and Well-being Strategy 2026–2030” addresses broader significant challenges to children’s health. For instance, 1 in 4 children under 18 experiences mental health conditions, while 1 in 4 primary school-aged children lives with overweight or obesity.
The new strategy, now in its implementation phase, calls on countries to invest in healthy beginnings – from maternal nutrition to equitable childhood care services and measures to reduce risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. This means not only better evidence-based health policies, but better implementation of these measures across the Region.
From Cure to Quality of Life
In parallel with the Summit, the Second International Congress on Childhood Cancer, “From Cure to Quality of Life”, will provide a unique opportunity to strengthen childhood cancer care, ensuring that every child has equitable access to timely diagnosis, effective treatment, essential medicines and supportive palliative care.To advance these efforts, countries across the WHO European Region and beyond need to address not only children’s survival from cancer but also long-term health, well-being and quality of life.
Each year, approximately 400 000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer worldwide, around 90% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. While more than 80% of children with cancer survive in high-income countries, survival rates remain below 30% in many low- and middle-income countries. In line with global efforts, the Congress will serve as a platform to exchange knowledge and best practices, strengthen partnerships and advance collaboration to improve childhood cancer care.
A key driver of these efforts is the WHO GICC, which aims to achieve a global survival rate of at least 60% by 2030 – a target endorsed by the 2025 political declaration of the fourth high-level meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being.
The Congress in Samarkand will also highlight the efforts of the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM). Jointly established by WHO and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in collaboration with UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization Strategic Fund, GPACCM is advancing sustainable access to quality-assured childhood cancer medicines across the globe. The event’s participants will work on further collaboration to ensure that life-saving treatments reach every child who needs them.
WHO/Europe is supporting the Congress with technical expertise. Two sessions at the Congress are dedicated to highlighting WHO work, showcasing the GPACCM and GICC initiatives.
The Samarkand events seek to turn shared commitments into meaningful action, ensuring a healthier, more equitable future for every child.