Qatar to host global health leaders under ‘The New Health Span’
As medical science, public health and technology continue to extend life expectancy, WISH 2026 will examine how these advances can translate into meaningful improvements in the physical, mental and social wellbeing of people across different stages of life.
The Times Kuwait Report
Qatar is preparing to host the eighth edition of the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH 2026), bringing together international health leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators and healthcare professionals to address some of the most pressing challenges facing global health systems.
Organised by the World Innovation Summit for Health, an initiative of Qatar Foundation, the two-day summit will take place on November 29 and 30, 2026, at the Qatar National Convention Centre in Doha, under the theme ‘The New Health Span’.
The summit will focus on a fundamental question confronting healthcare systems worldwide: how can societies ensure that longer lives are also healthier, more dignified and supported by equitable access to quality healthcare?
As medical science, public health and technology continue to extend life expectancy, WISH 2026 will examine how these advances can translate into meaningful improvements in the physical, mental and social wellbeing of people across different stages of life.
The gathering will provide a platform for international collaboration on healthcare policy, scientific research, technological innovation and sustainable financing, with an emphasis on turning evidence and ideas into practical solutions.
According to WISH, the summit will bring together representatives from government, healthcare institutions, academia, research, technology, the private sector and civil society to examine how health systems can respond to demographic changes and rapid scientific advances.
The event reflects Qatar’s continued efforts to strengthen its position as an international platform for healthcare dialogue and innovation, while contributing to discussions on the future of health policy and global cooperation.
Beyond longer lives: The new meaning of health
The central theme of WISH 2026, ‘The New Health Span’, reflects a growing recognition that increasing life expectancy alone is not sufficient to guarantee better health outcomes. While medical advances have enabled people to live longer, many societies are experiencing a rise in chronic illnesses, age-related health conditions and the demand for long-term care.
For some people, additional years of life are accompanied by good health, independence and continued participation in society. For others, they may involve chronic disease, social isolation, financial hardship or limited access to appropriate healthcare.
The summit will therefore examine how healthcare systems can move beyond a narrow focus on treating illness and develop approaches that support people in maintaining their health, independence and quality of life for longer. WISH Chief Executive Officer Dr Slim Slama has highlighted the importance of addressing this challenge through international cooperation, noting that no single country, sector or discipline can independently develop all the solutions required.
The summit will bring together the experiences of different health systems, the expertise of researchers and healthcare professionals, the perspectives of policymakers and the voices of communities to identify practical ways of improving health outcomes.
Five priorities shaping the future of healthcare
The WISH 2026 programme will be organised around five major themes, each addressing a different dimension of the changing global healthcare landscape.
1. The Longevity Dividend
The first priority will examine how scientific advances in ageing research can help people remain healthy, active and independent for longer.
Discussions will explore ageing biology, senescence and epigenetics, alongside the policies and social conditions needed to translate scientific discoveries into healthier lives. The emphasis will be on extending health span, rather than simply increasing lifespan.
2. Financing the Cure
Breakthrough treatments, including gene therapies, CAR-T cell therapies and other advanced medical interventions, are creating new possibilities for treating serious diseases.
However, the high cost of these treatments raises questions about affordability, insurance coverage and the long-term sustainability of healthcare budgets. This theme will explore innovative financing arrangements that can make advanced treatments accessible without placing excessive pressure on health systems.
3. AI and Human-Centred Health
Artificial intelligence is transforming medical research, diagnostics, clinical decision-making and the delivery of healthcare.
WISH 2026 will examine how AI can strengthen primary healthcare and support medical professionals while maintaining patient safety, privacy, accountability and public trust.
The discussions will focus on ensuring that technology augments human expertise rather than replacing the essential relationship between healthcare professionals and patients.
4. Future of Fertility
Advances in reproductive medicine are creating new possibilities for individuals and families, while raising complex ethical, social and regulatory questions.
The summit will explore developments in fertility preservation, assisted reproduction, gene editing and AI-assisted embryo selection, alongside concerns about equitable access, responsible clinical practice and appropriate regulation.
5. Health Diplomacy 2.0
Health challenges increasingly cross national borders, making international cooperation essential to protecting populations and strengthening healthcare systems.
This theme will examine how countries can work together amid conflict, climate pressures, migration, disease outbreaks and disruptions to medical supply chains. Discussions will consider how diplomacy, partnerships and coordinated policies can improve preparedness, protect healthcare services and support equitable access to essential medical resources.
From research to real-world solutions
A central objective of WISH 2026 will be to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and its practical application in healthcare systems.
The summit’s research programme will examine how emerging technologies and medical advances can be translated into policies and services that benefit patients and communities. Four research reports will address the themes of healthy longevity, financing advanced treatments, responsible AI in healthcare and the future of fertility. These reports are intended to provide evidence-based analysis and practical recommendations for policymakers and healthcare decision-makers.
The programme will also feature plenary sessions, panel discussions and roundtables, creating opportunities for participants to exchange experiences and examine potential approaches to shared challenges.
WISH CEO Dr Slim Slama has emphasised that the summit’s success will ultimately be measured by the tangible outcomes achieved after the event, including the development of clear recommendations and practical public policy options.
Qatar’s growing role in global health dialogue
WISH 2026 builds on more than a decade of international engagement by Qatar in healthcare research, policy and innovation.
Established in 2012 as an initiative of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, WISH has developed into an international healthcare forum connecting researchers, policymakers, practitioners and innovators.
The inaugural summit was held in Doha in 2013, bringing together more than 1,000 global healthcare leaders. Subsequent editions have expanded the organisation’s international reach through policy research, expert discussions and partnerships with institutions working on major health challenges.
The initiative operates under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation. Its work is focused on identifying evidence-based approaches to improving healthcare systems and encouraging the adoption of innovative policies and practices. The eighth summit will continue this mission by examining how longer lives can be matched with healthier communities, more resilient healthcare systems and fairer access to medical advances.
A forward-looking agenda for global healthcare
The WISH 2026 agenda comes at a time when healthcare systems are facing a combination of demographic, technological and financial pressures. Ageing populations are increasing demand for long-term care, while advances in medical science are creating new treatment possibilities that may require different approaches to financing and delivery.
At the same time, the rapid development of AI and digital healthcare is changing how medical services are provided, raising important questions about regulation, safety and public confidence.
The summit’s focus on healthy longevity, equitable access to treatment, human-centred technology, reproductive health and international cooperation reflects the need for healthcare systems to respond to these interconnected challenges. The summit will take place on November 29 and 30 at the Qatar National Convention Centre. Registration is open through the official WISH website, where further programme information and participation details are available.
