How (not) to organise a panel at a global health conference

The Lancet Global Health 2026 Open access

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Authors: Afifah Rahman-Shepherd, Tashi Chozom, Indira Dewi Kantiana, Aprajita Kaushik, Divya Lakhotia, Alex R. Cook
DOI: 10.1016/j.langlo.2026.103956
Cited by: 4
References: 6

Abstract

Global health is unfortunately not very global—a contradiction that becomes most evident at global health conferences. Although convened to advance the field of global health, these conferences often say more about whose perspectives are valued and whose are not, reflecting the inequities in power and privilege that global health ought to redress. Striving for parity—be it geography, gender, income, or age—also risks tokenism where inclusivity is performative rather than purposeful. Although guidance on how to organise a global health conference exists,1–5 most stop short at organising panels.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Global Health and Surgery Conferences and Exhibitions Management Delphi Technique in Research

Publication details

Journal / source
The Lancet Global Health
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
14
Issue
7
Pages
103956–103956
Publication date
2 May 2026
Language
EN