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Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health
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The Global Leaders Network for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health is the first and only Southern-led global health diplomacy initiative to support the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals related to women, children, and adolescents.
Initiated in 2023, this unique network of Heads of State and Government is chaired by H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, with the support and membership of ten sitting Heads of State and Government.
Current members include H.E. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, H.E. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, H.E. President William Samoei Ruto of Kenya, H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr of Liberia, H.E. President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera of Malawi, H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria, H.E. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, H.E. President Julius Maada Wonie Bio of Sierra Leone and H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.
The Rt Hon Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, supports the GLN through her role as the Board Chair of PMMCH.
During a high-level side event on the occasion of the 78th UN General Assembly in September 2023, President Ramaphosa introduced the GLN and issued a clarion call for urgent action:
"If we secure the health of every woman, child, and adolescent, we will fundamentally improve the health and well-being of all humanity… As Heads of State, we can provide leadership and inspire ambitious action. We have the convening power to mobilize our peers and advance policies, programmes, and financing initiatives for improved outcomes."
In addition to global advocacy and health diplomacy efforts, the Network aims to accelerate progress in 10 key target countries against key mortality indicators: maternal mortality (SDG 3.1), neonatal mortality (SDG 3.2.2), and adolescent mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The GLN will encourage dialogue and influence greater attention to women’s, children’s, and adolescents’ health and well-being issues at national levels, as well as with global and regional bodies, including the United Nations, G7, G20, BRICS, global and regional platforms (e.g., AU, EU, etc.). This work is closely supported by ongoing engagement through high-level meetings held with heads of government and many ministers at the World Health Assembly, UNGA, and other policy venues.
The work of the GLN is led by representatives of the South African Presidency and the South African National Department of Health, with support from the PMNCH Secretariat.
At a national level, the work of the GLN is supported by PMNCH’s Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan (CAAP) initiative, ensuring partner-led synergies with the high-level advocacy of GLN members. The Collaborative Advocacy Action Plan initiative is currently underway in 10 countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
The Chair of the GLN, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, calls on all Heads of State and Government all over the world to either join the Global Leaders Network or engage in partnership with the Global Leaders Network to lead the world into a future where all women, children, and adolescents live a long and healthy life, are active and equal participants in the economy and enjoy the highest attainable standard of living for the prosperity of all nations.