European Roundtable for Global Health
Global health is a strategic investment in Europe's future
The Opportunity
Global health is increasingly central to Europe’s prosperity, resilience and security. Yet its strategic importance is not always reflected in European policy and investment decisions.
The European Roundtable for Global Health is a high-level forum bringing together leaders from politics and business to strengthen support for global health as a strategic investment in Europe’s future.
Why it matters
Global health contributes to Europe's competitiveness, resilience and security. Together, these three lenses provide the strategic case for sustained political attention and investment.
Competitiveness
Europe’s economic strength depends on healthy populations, resilient supply chains, innovation and strong international partnerships. Investments in global health contribute to long-term growth, productivity and European competitiveness.
Resilience
Future crises cannot always be prevented, but their impacts can be reduced. Investments in preparedness and international cooperation enhance Europe’s ability to anticipate, withstand and recover from future shocks.
Security
Health threats cross borders. Investments in stronger health systems and international partnerships help prevent and respond to health crises, contribute to global stability and protect European interests.
The Roundtable
The Roundtable brings together senior leaders from politics, business, finance and global health who share a commitment to strengthening support for global health as a European priority.
Marisol Touraine Co-Chair
Marisol Touraine is a former French Minister of Social Affairs, Health and Women's Rights (2012-2017), leading major health reforms and championing access to healthcare both domestically and internationally. Prior to joining the cabinet, she served for nearly two decades in the French National Assembly, holding senior leadership roles. Touraine has served as Chair of Unitaid's Executive Board (2019-2025), helping to advance equitable access to medicines, diagnostics and health technologies worldwide. She is currently a member of France's Conseil d'Etat, and works as an international consultant on social and health policy.
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen Co-Chair
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen is the former CEO and President of Novo Nordisk (2017-2025), where he served for more than three decades, leading the company through a period of remarkable growth. He has also been President of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (2021 - 2025), and has served as a member of the board of directors of several pharmaceutical companies as well as the Central Bank of Denmark. Fruegaard Jørgensen is currently Chair of Healthcare Denmark, representing Denmark's entire life science sector.
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Partners
The Roundtable is supported by organizations with expertise across policy, research, advocacy and stakeholder management
