'Our Common Agenda' presents the UN Secretary-General's vision on the future of global cooperation through an inclusive, networked, and effective multilateralism.
'Our Common Agenda is, above all, an agenda of action designed to accelerate the implementation of existing agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals.' https://www.un.org/en/content/common-agenda-report/#download
Here are the first three recommendations, and below I suggest how communities of practice such as HIFA can contribute.
1. Now is the time to re-embrace global solidarity and find new ways to work together for the common good....
2. Now is the time to renew the social contract between Governments and their people and within societies, so as to rebuild trust and embrace a comprehensive vision of human rights...
3. Now is the time to end the “infodemic” plaguing our world by defending a common, empirically backed consensus around facts, science and knowledge. The “war on science” must end. All policy and budget decisions should be backed by science and expertise, and I am calling for a global code of conduct that promotes integrity in public information...
For #1 I see an unrealised potential from virtual communities of practice such as HIFA. CoPs can bring stakeholders together in constructive dialogue towards shared objectives. HIFA is collaborating with PATH and JHPIEGO to build bridges across CoPs in global health.
For #2 CoPs can make a further contribution by extending the reach of governments to all stakeholders, giving more people a voice from which governments can learn. Specifically, HIFA can help governments and other providers of health information to better understand information needs and the drivers and barriers in meeting those needs.
For #3 HIFA's raison d'etre is universal access to reliable healthcare information and protection from misinformation. HIFA looks forward to continue playing a key role in collaboration with WHO and others.
Best wishes, Neil
Neil Pakenham-Walsh, HIFA Coordinator, neil@hifa.org www.hifa.org
