Agenda for a Healthy Society
HealthComm Forum 2026 brings together policymakers, healthcare leaders and experts, international organisations, academia, industry and civil society to shape the future of health systems in Croatia and across the wider European region through dialogue and shared agreement. Over its previous three editions, the Forum has opened important discussions on trust in healthcare, the need for a new social contract in health, and the positioning of health as a strategic value of a sustainable society. The 2026 edition takes this one step further by turning these insights into a shared and actionable Agenda for a Healthy Society.
The Forum is designed as a platform for structured dialogue and joint reflection, but also as a space where ideas can evolve into practical proposals and partnerships. The opening session will introduce the Forum’s key themes and the HealthComm Forum 2026 Statement, emerging from the Executive Policy Dialogue held the previous day. The Statement sets out the main priorities for strengthening health system governance, improving health outcomes, and fostering cross-sector collaboration for better health. These priorities will then be explored in greater depth through discussions on leadership, policy priorities, innovation and people — the key drivers of sustainable and resilient health systems.
WHO?
Cross-sector leadership and accountability
This session is designed to explore how responsibility is shared across institutions and how partnerships can contribute to more coherent, transparent and effective health governance.
Health systems today operate within a complex network of institutions, stakeholders and responsibilities. While governments continue to play a central role in steering health systems, effective leadership increasingly depends on collaboration across ministries, public institutions, professional communities, industry, academia and civil society.
This session asks: Who is responsible for shaping the future of health?
The discussion will examine the concept of health system stewardship — the responsibility of governments and public institutions to provide strategic direction, ensure coordination among stakeholders, and safeguard the public interest.
International perspectives, including those of the OECD and other global organisations, will highlight how comparative data and international cooperation can help governments strengthen governance, accountability and the long-term performance of health systems.
WHAT?
Priority policy areas for a healthy society
The purpose of this session is to identify shared priorities and possible policy directions that can contribute to the broader Agenda for a Healthy Society.
Achieving better health outcomes requires clear policy priorities and a common understanding of where action is most urgently needed.
This session focuses on the key themes shaping health policy in Croatia, across Europe and globally. It will explore how health systems can respond to the growing burden of chronic disease, support health throughout life, and address the increasing importance of mental health.
Special attention will be given to the role of medicines and therapeutic innovation, the management of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, and the importance of embedding prevention and mental health within broader health system strategies.
Bringing together the perspectives of policymakers, healthcare professionals, industry, patients and European institutions, the session will consider how these policy areas can be addressed in a coordinated and sustainable way.
HOW?
Outcomes, quality and patient safety
Health systems are increasingly expected to demonstrate not only levels of activity and expenditure, but also measurable improvements in health outcomes, quality of care and patient safety.
This session explores how health systems can better align governance, measurement and service delivery with the outcomes that matter most to patients and populations.
Discussions will cover the growing role of outcomes measurement, including patient-reported outcomes and experiences, as well as the use of health system performance assessment frameworks to inform public policy.
International experience, including work led by the World Health Organization and other global initiatives, will show how data, transparency and learning systems can support more accountable and adaptive health systems.
Participants will consider how health systems can move beyond simply measuring performance to actively managing improvement, ensuring that quality and safety become central organising principles of healthcare delivery.
HOW?
Innovation in health systems
Innovation is reshaping health systems around the world, creating new opportunities to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and overall system efficiency.
This session explores how technological, organisational and social innovation can contribute to more effective and sustainable health systems.
Topics may include the growing role of digital health, artificial intelligence, advanced therapies and new models of care, as well as innovation in health system organisation and public policy design.
The discussion will also consider how governments, research institutions and industry can work together to foster innovation while ensuring equitable access, safety and value for patients and health systems. Particular attention will be given to the role of younger generations of professionals and entrepreneurs in shaping the future of healthcare.
The aim is to examine how innovation can contribute to the broader Agenda for a Healthy Society and help health systems respond to emerging challenges.
HOW?
People and education
Health systems ultimately depend on the people who work within them — healthcare professionals, researchers, educators and system leaders.
This session focuses on the role of workforce development, education and leadership in shaping the future of healthcare.
Across Europe, health systems are facing serious workforce challenges, including staff shortages, changing skills needs and growing professional mobility. At the same time, new models of care and technological advances are creating demand for new competencies and new approaches to education.
The discussion will explore how health systems can strengthen professional education, support leadership development and create working environments that enable healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care.
Academic institutions, professional organisations and policymakers will share perspectives on how education and workforce policies can support resilient and future-ready health systems.
People remain the most important driver of health system performance — and investing in them is essential to building a healthier society.
Recognition and visibility
The HealthComm Awards recognise individuals and organisations whose work contributes to stronger health systems, more meaningful public dialogue, and the development of innovative solutions in healthcare.
The awards highlight initiatives that demonstrate leadership, collaboration and a clear commitment to improving health outcomes and the quality of care.
Their purpose is to encourage learning, inspire new initiatives, and recognise the individuals and institutions contributing to the broader Agenda for a Healthy Society.