The partnership between Global Health Connector and the UNITE Parliamentarians Network for Global Health is a strong example of cross-sector convergence and collaboration in action.

By bridging high-level policymaking with health innovation, this ‘CollaborAction’ is helping transform global health systems from reactive to proactive — delivering better care for everyone, everywhere.

From the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last year to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. this April, the partnership continues to connect leaders, ideas, and solutions across global health and policy spaces.

 

Our Shared Vision for Integrated Health

 

UNITE is a non-profit global network of current and former members of parliament committed towards improving health systems worldwide. Their work ensures that health remains a political priority across all levels of government, promoting evidence-based and sustainable policies in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

 

As Global Health Connector, we facilitate a truly connected global movement driving health transformations across themes, sectors, regions, and cultures.

At the heart of our CollaborAction is the belief that health is not an isolated sector—it is the backbone of the global economy. As we move through key international milestones, our joint efforts focus on breaking down silos between finance, science, and policy.

 

How We Work Together:

 

• United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)

Last September, during the Global Health Connector Convergence Event at the UNGA80 Science Summit in New York, UNITE members were instrumental in driving sessions focused on the urgent need for cross-sector integration. Their contributions specifically targeted the Prevention and Management of Obesity and Related  Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), helping to shape actionable calls to action for future global implementation.

• Hon Dr Mariam Jashi (Global Board Member, UNITE) highlighted the economic imperative of health:
  “Current health planning is fragmented and lacks the tools to link sectors effectively, despite the lessons learned from COVID-19.”
• Guilherme Duarte (Executive Director, UNITE) addressed the interconnection between NCDs and obesity:
  “We need to link NCDs and obesity and identify the most cost-effective interventions, as no single model fits every country. We must adopt only innovations that deliver real value.”

• Washington D.C.: Spring Meetings & Side Events

Most recently, in April 2026, we deepened our presence in Washington D.C. during the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings.

While Global Health Connector organised a high-level side event “Science as a Driver of Global Development”, UNITE co-hosted a Roundtable on Financing Health Equity and Security at the National Press Club. 

Our focus was to connect dots between science, policy, and real-world impact.

UNITE’s session brought together parliamentarians and global health leaders to discuss how fiscal decisions directly impact lifesaving care and, crucially, how to turn high-level commitments into concrete results.

“If you don’t have a healthy population, you can’t be resilient against external shocks.” 

— Hon Sven Clement, UNITE Member & Chair of the Board, Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and IMF

 

Strengthening Our Global Impact

Through this continued ‘CollaborAction,’ Global Health Connector and UNITE remain dedicated to improving health systems worldwide. 

Together, we are not just discussing the future of health; we are building the political and scientific architecture to make it a reality.