Monaco attends the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe

©DR

The Principality took part in the 75th session of the World Health Organisation’s Regional Committee for Europe, held in Copenhagen, Denmark from 28 to 30 October 2025. The Monegasque delegation was led by Mr Christophe ROBINO, Minister of Health and Social Affairs. At a time of serious budget pressures, the session was an opportunity to take stock of the current health situation and discuss the issues the region is likely to face in the future.

During the general debate, which this year focused on going “back to basics”, Mr Robino  reaffirmed Monaco’s strong support for the WHO, while calling for the organisation to refocus on its core role.  He also emphasised the importance of responsible governance in promoting effective multilateral cooperation, driving health policies, and delivering public health benefits. He added that this “back to basics” approach should also guide national health policies, noting that for Monaco, this meant continuing to build on certain fundamental priorities such as prevention, screening and vaccination.

The session also adopted the second European Programme of Work, 2026–2030. Having been instrumental in shaping the programme over the past year, Monaco welcomed what has been described as an ambitious plan aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The delegation supported the choice to focus on five priority areas, namely health security, noncommunicable diseases and mental health, healthy ageing, climate change, and health system transformation. Monaco also welcomed two special initiatives on primary health care and on preventing violence against women and girls, whilst calling for wider action to include the protection of children and young people.

Finally, the session explored a variety of major issues including artificial intelligence in healthcare, and the links between sustainability, climate and health. Mr Robino took part in a high-level meeting to set policy direction and inform the work of an expert panel on the climate-health nexus. The panel is expected to publish its findings in 2026.

During the event, the Monegasque delegation also held talks with several European counterparts and international partners. Mr Robino reported on recent progress in public health, including efforts to monitor “high-risk” diseases such as polioviruses, an area where the Principality has worked closely with WHO/Europe in recent years. It also provided an opportunity to hold discussions with several delegations, including those from France and Italy, to advance work on issues of common interest.

^{* The Monegasque delegation included Mr Christophe ROBINO, Minister of Health and Social Affairs, M. Antoine ANTONINI, Head of Division at the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Ms Mathilde PASTA, Third Secretary to the Permanent Mission of Monaco in Geneva.}