Global health dialogue on longevity at WISH 2026 on Nov 29–30

Qatar will host global health leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators at the eighth World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) from November 29 to 30, bringing international attention to the challenges of ensuring healthier and more equitable lives as populations age.

The two-day summit in Doha to explore longevity, healthcare financing, artificial intelligence and global health cooperation.

The summit, organised by WISH, a global health initiative of Qatar Foundation, will be held at the Qatar National Convention Centre under the theme ‘The New Health Span’.

It will examine how longer life expectancy can be matched by better health, greater dignity and more equitable access to healthcare, amid rapid demographic, scientific and technological changes.

The gathering will bring together representatives from healthcare, government, academia, research, technology, the private sector and civil society to discuss the future of health systems and the policies needed to make them more resilient and accessible.

Although advances in medicine, public health and technology have enabled people to live longer, increased life expectancy has not necessarily translated into healthier lives. Chronic illnesses, social isolation, unaffordable treatment and healthcare systems ill-equipped to address ageing populations remain major challenges.

“The question at the heart of WISH 2026 is simple, but deeply consequential: how do we help people live not only longer lives, but better ones?” said Dr Slim Slama, CEO of WISH.

He said addressing the challenge required collaboration among countries, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers and communities, adding that WISH provided a platform for bringing diverse global perspectives together in Doha.

The summit programme will focus on five key pillars: The Longevity Dividend, Financing the Cure, AI and Human-Centred Health, Future of Fertility and Health Diplomacy 2.0.

Discussions on longevity will explore ways to promote healthier ageing and enable people to remain active and socially connected for longer. The financing pillar will examine sustainable healthcare funding models and ways to make advanced treatments more accessible.

Sessions on artificial intelligence will consider how emerging technologies can strengthen healthcare delivery while safeguarding patient trust, safety and accountability. The Future of Fertility pillar will address scientific advances alongside related ethical and regulatory challenges.

Health Diplomacy 2.0 will examine international cooperation in addressing healthcare challenges arising from conflicts, climate change, migration, disease outbreaks and disruptions to supply chains.

The discussions will also consider how healthcare policies, financing, technology and community-based approaches can be strengthened to ensure that longer lives translate into better health outcomes across different societies.

Established in 2012, WISH has spent more than a decade advancing global health dialogue through policy research, evidence-based reports and international gatherings of experts. The 2026 summit will build on this work, highlighting the need for fairer, healthier and more resilient healthcare systems.

Registration for WISH 2026 is open through the official website, wish.org.qa.

WISH is a global healthcare community dedicated to identifying and sharing evidence-based ideas and practices. It is an initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development and operates under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation.