Our participation includes sessions on precision medicine and genomics, public policy transformation, and a contribution at the Doha Forum by Dr Slim Slama, CEO of WISH. These engagements reflect our commitment to connecting research with practice and advancing priorities that support healthier and more resilient communities.​

For event details and registration information, please refer to the information below:

2-4 December 2025: PMFG Summit

• Panel title: Precision Health in Practice: Global Lessons for Policy & Trust
• Date and time: 3 December 2025, 13:50 – 14:30
• Registration: Registration – PMFG 2025

6-7 December 2025: Doha Forum

• Panel title: Reclaiming Health System Ownership: Technical Lessons, Tools, and Partnership Pathways Amidst Funding Cuts
• Date and time: 6 December 2025, 14:30 – 1600
• Registration: by invitation

7-8 December 2025: AMEPPA Conference

• Panel title: Financing Equity in a Fragmented Global Health Landscape – Regional Implications
• Date and time: 7 December 2025, 11:00- 12:30
• Registration: MICEtribe

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At WHO HQ, Dr Khan led the development of key global normative guidance, including the first-ever WHO Global Hypertension Report, the WHO Guideline for the Pharmacological Treatment of Hypertension, and the first global framework for the management of acute coronary syndrome and stroke. Under her leadership, WHO’s hypertension control programs were implemented in over 30 countries, working in close partnership with national health authorities, professional associations, implementation partners, donors, and global health actors such as Resolve to Save Lives, the World Heart Federation and the World Stroke Organization.

Following her WHO tenure, she contributed to the Africa-Europe Foundation, facilitating high-level policy exchange on climate change, digital health, and multilateral affairs.

Her expertise spans health security, climate-resilient health systems, and cross-sectoral policy design. Known for her ability to bridge research and implementation, Dr Khan champions solutions that align scientific evidence, community priorities, and the strategic use of health diplomacy—a vision that supports WISH’s strategic mission of positioning health as a cornerstone of global diplomacy.

At WISH, Dr Khan will lead the organization’s research, content, and policy development agenda, focusing on translating evidence into actionable policies and advancing resilient, equitable health systems worldwide.

The post We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Taskeen Khan as the new Director of Research and Content at WISH – Qatar Foundation. appeared first on WISH.

Invited by Dr. Jack Lau, President of QSTP, WISH will lend its expertise to the committee, playing a pivotal role in selecting startups to join the QSTP community. WISH’s involvement builds on its legacy of championing health innovation, which has been a key theme throughout its summits and reports.

“Innovation is at the heart of WISH. As a member of this committee, we will not only evaluate promising startups, but also contribute to shaping the future of innovation in Qatar.” Eman Tag, Head of Innovation at WISH, emphasized the vital role of the QF ecosystem in fostering a culture of innovation: “The unique environment within Education City allows WISH to curate informed discussions on health innovation and identify groundbreaking solutions from around the world. We look forward to sharing our insights and contributing to the success of QSTP startups.”

WISH, known as the world’s leading global health gathering, will utilize its expansive network to elevate Qatar’s innovation landscape on the global stage. This collaboration with QSTP further strengthens WISH’s commitment to fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem within Qatar and beyond.

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Dr. Slama strategically framed the discussion to encourage a critical examination of the region’s readiness and potential for global impact. Panelists, including Dr. Hilal Lashuel, advisor to QF leadership, discussed ways the GCC can “leapfrog” traditional AI development, innovate in AI governance, and ensure the region becomes a generator, not just a testing ground, for AI innovations.

“This panel highlighted the incredible potential within Qatar Foundation’s ecosystem, and I believe that closer collaboration with Sidra Medicine, as a center of excellence, is paramount,” stated Dr. Slama. “By leveraging Sidra’s expertise and innovation, we can accelerate the development and implementation of AI solutions that address the region’s unique healthcare needs and contribute to global knowledge.”

The event underscored the visionary foundation of Qatar Foundation’s Education City, nurturing an environment of scientific and ethical progress. This event paves the way for enhanced collaboration between Sidra Medicine and WISH, as they jointly advance responsible AI implementation for better health outcomes globally.

The post WISH CEO Advocates for Collaboration with Sidra Medicine to Accelerate AI Leadership in Healthcare at Sidra Conference, Doha appeared first on WISH.

WISH’s contribution to the dialogue drew on its expertise in global health and health diplomacy, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting health services and workers in conflict settings. Dr. Slama highlighted the findings of the recent WISH-WHO joint report, In the Line of Fire, which documents attacks on healthcare in armed conflict zones, underscoring the urgent need for global advocacy and protection mechanisms.

The discussion also recognized the achievements and ongoing risks in the health sector response in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, where integrated, community-based health services have been successfully deployed despite funding challenges. WISH reaffirmed its readiness to provide technical support and advocacy to enhance humanitarian and development efforts, including collaboration with Qatari institutions and partners.

This engagement reflects WISH’s commitment to advancing sustainable, rights-based health solutions for vulnerable populations and supporting Qatar’s leadership role in addressing global humanitarian crises.

The post WISH CEO Dr. Slim Slama Engages in High-Level Closed-Door Roundtable on Rohingya Crisis at Earthna Summit 2025 appeared first on WISH.

As artificial intelligence redefines how we diagnose, treat, and even prevent illness, the stakes are growing exponentially—not just in terms of technology, but in ethics, inclusion, and accountability. The very values that underpin healthcare—equity, empathy, and trust—are now being rewritten in code.

That is why the upcoming Sidra AI & Medicine Conference, to be held in Doha from 23–26 April 2025, could not be more timely. Under the theme “AI in Healthcare – Equity, Accountability, and Human Well-Being,” the conference will convene global experts at the intersection of technology and care.

Dr. Slim Slama, CEO of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), will moderate one of the high-level panels, facilitating a discussion on how to ensure that AI in healthcare is shaped by ethics, equity, and social good—not just speed and scale. The session will feature leading thinkers, including experts from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), whose interdisciplinary approach to AI, policy, and public health has helped position Qatar as a regional thought leader in digital ethics.

“We need to stop asking only what AI “can” do—and start asking what it “should” do,” said Dr. Slama. “The healthcare systems of the future must not be built on biased data, invisible communities, or opaque algorithms. Accountability cannot be outsourced.”

WISH’s role in this conversation is part of a broader commitment to responsible health innovation. Across its summits and year-round convenings, WISH has worked to anchor technology in the lived realities of health systems—especially in under-resourced settings where innovation without equity becomes exclusion.

This work draws inspiration from the wider vision of Qatar Foundation (QF), which places human development, ethical leadership, and inclusive innovation at the centre of its mission. Education City, QF’s global campus in Doha, has become a unique incubator for interdisciplinary dialogue, bringing together health professionals, AI researchers, ethicists, and social scientists to tackle tomorrow’s challenges—together.

“WISH thrives on the energy of this ecosystem,” added Dr. Slama. “We believe the future of healthcare isn’t about any one discipline—it’s about conversations that cross boundaries, powered by values that centre people, not just platforms.”

This upcoming panel at Sidra Medicine—one of the region’s foremost institutions for women’s and children’s health—is a natural extension of WISH’s efforts to place equity and humanity at the heart of innovation.

#WISHDoha #AIinHealthcare #EthicalAI #HealthEquity #DigitalHealth #QatarFoundation #EducationCity #SidraConference #GlobalHealth

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Dr. Balkhy shared her vision for WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region and highlighted key flagship initiatives to address health challenges across the region. Given the strong history of collaboration between WISH and WHO EMRO, both sides agreed to deepen engagement through a dedicated technical working meeting to explore future joint initiatives.

At a global level, WHO HQ and WISH operate under a Memorandum of Understanding, guiding their collaboration on research, policy dialogues, and advocacy. At WISH 7 in November 2024, WHO had a strong presence, with Director-General Dr Tedros participating on centre stage, contributing to WISH-led reports, and hosting a well-visited exhibition display. 

“WHO EMRO and WISH share a common goal—bridging research, innovation, and policy to drive meaningful health impact. This visit reaffirms our commitment to working together to shape global and regional health agendas” said Dr. Slim Slama, CEO of WISH. 

With this renewed momentum, WISH and WHO EMRO will continue collaborating on evidence-based policymaking, research, and education initiatives, reinforcing #Qatar’s role as a hub for global health #dialogue. 

For more updates, visit wish.org.qa and follow #WISHQatar. 

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Curated by Mr. Oscar, Director at Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDI), the session focused on building systems that drive innovation through collaboration, with thematic clusters as one tested approach. Panelists shared global perspectives, including insights from Saxony, Germany, where well-integrated research and industry ecosystems have demonstrated measurable impact.

“Innovation thrives when science, policy, and industry align. This discussion underscored the importance of structured collaboration—whether through clusters or other proven models—in transforming research into tangible health solutions,” said Dr. Slim Slama.

With this session laying the foundation for deeper engagement, WISH and QRDI will continue collaborating on global health initiatives, reinforcing Qatar’s role as a hub for biomedical innovation.

For more updates, visit [wish.org.qa] and follow #WISHQatar.

The post WISH CEO Dr. Slim Slama Moderates High-Impact Panel on Driving Biomedical Innovation at Web Summit 2025 appeared first on WISH.

Speaking on the panel “Duty of Care to Protect the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers”, Dr. Sanaa emphasized the urgent need for stronger policies, institutional support, and systemic change to safeguard the wellbeing of those on the frontlines of healthcare. Her insights were further validated when the WISH report, “Duty of Care” was referenced by WHO HRH Director Jim Campbell in a virtual presentation—underscoring its global relevance.

The Growing Mental Health Crisis in Healthcare

Globally, healthcare workers are facing unprecedented levels of stress, burnout, and poor working conditions due to staff shortages, heavy workloads, and inadequate compensation. This crisis is particularly evident in Qatar and the GCC, where mental health conditions are rising—especially among younger populations. As WISH has long advocated, if we expect to be cared for, we must also care for those who care for us.

WISH: A Platform for Health Professionals

With mental health as a dedicated track in its program, WISH continues to be a global meeting ground for healthcare professionals. The 7th edition of WISH in 2024 in Doha welcomed 4,500 delegates, including a strong representation of health workers, reinforcing its role as a platform for action, research, and advocacy on workforce wellbeing.

“Sustaining a resilient healthcare system starts with protecting the mental health of those on the frontlines. It is not just a moral responsibility but a strategic necessity,” said Dr. Sanaa.

As WISH continues its advocacy, research, and convening efforts, it remains committed to driving global conversations on mental health in healthcare—ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to caring for others receive the support they deserve.

For more updates, visit wish.org.qa and follow #WISHQatar.

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Held at the picturesque Heenat Salma Farm, the event was a reminder of the deep connection between nature, climate, and health—a backdrop that underscored the urgency of sustainable, forward-thinking policymaking. Organized by the College of Public Policy at HBKU, the competition brought together students who have spent months applying design thinking methodologies to real-world policy challenges. Their projects reflected the creativity, analytical rigor, and bold vision that #Qatar is nurturing through Qatar Foundation’s commitment to education, science, and technology.

Dr. Evren Tok, Associate Dean for Community Engagement, College of Public Policy, at HBKU and the curator of this unique policy lab said “The Policy Lab is designed to push students beyond conventional thinking, equipping them with the tools to design real-world solutions. Seeing their innovative approaches to health and policy challenges—especially in areas like technology and sustainability—reinforces the importance of investing in the next generation of changemakers. WISH’s engagement in this process adds immense value by connecting academic innovation with real-world impact.”

“Hearing these young minds present their perspectives on health and technology was nothing short of inspiring. It is a testament to the vision of @QatarFoundation’s founders and their investment in future leaders,” said Dr. Slim Slama.

For WISH, fostering local and global partnerships is central to its strategy. As Qatar’s premier platform for global health, WISH continues to build strong ties with Qatari institutions like HBKU, ensuring that emerging voices in policy and innovation have a place in shaping the country’s health landscape.

With collaborations like these, WISH reaffirms its role not only as a global convener but also as a key player in driving innovation and thought leadership within #Qatar.

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