On July 11, 2025, Geneva hosted a milestone session in the AI for Good Global Summit: the “Enabling AI for Health Innovation and Access” workshop. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), this session aimed to embed equity, ethical governance, data standards, and interoperability as foundations for AI-driven healthcare worldwide.
The WHO and its UN partners introduced draft global standards under the Global Initiative on AI for Health (GI-AI4H). These frameworks cover data ethics, IP rights, health-system integration, and regulatory preparedness. They aim to close what WHO calls the “pacing gap”—where technology advances faster than policy. The frameworks also anticipate rollout in low-resource regions, targeting more inclusive AI benefit-sharing.
The workshop spotlighted several practical deployments already being tested or implemented. AI-powered triage systems designed for conflict zones and humanitarian settings were highlighted as crucial tools to support frontline decision-making where healthcare infrastructure is limited. Another key application focused on diagnostic tools for noncommunicable diseases, such as AI used in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy and hypertension, particularly suited for remote or underserved clinics. WHO also previewed a forthcoming Technical Brief on AI in Traditional Medicine, which explores how culturally rooted healthcare systems might benefit from AI support.
A major theme throughout the event was intellectual property governance. WIPO experts led discussions on how to strike a balance between incentivizing innovation—through mechanisms like public–private partnerships—while avoiding monopolistic barriers that could hinder access to essential technologies. This is particularly relevant as AI becomes more central to medical imaging, diagnostic tools, and databases that may incorporate insights from traditional medicine practices.
Participants in the workshop included policymakers, AI developers, clinicians, humanitarian organizations, and global health leaders. Their collaboration emphasized the need for cross-sector alignment and built on earlier initiatives like the ITU-WHO Focus Group on AI for Health. The group’s legacy is now extended by the GI-AI4H initiative, which is tasked with ensuring AI tools are not only technically sound but also scalable, interoperable, and aligned with public health goals.
The workshop arrives at a critical time. With AI capabilities rapidly expanding, many global health experts fear a growing divide between countries that can harness these tools effectively and those that cannot. Without ethical safeguards, there is also a risk of exacerbating biases, reinforcing misinformation, and mismanaging sensitive health data. The new frameworks discussed at the summit offer a roadmap to mitigate these risks and promote more equitable access.
The goals of the session closely align with the broader mission of the AI for Good Summit, which focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, it addresses SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. With increasing engagement from younger generations and tech-driven innovators, the summit continues to serve as a bridge between cutting-edge technology and global humanitarian goals.
Next steps following the workshop include the release of technical briefs and operational guidelines by GI-AI4H, including the complete report on AI in Traditional Medicine. Pilot projects that utilize the newly proposed frameworks are expected to launch in low-resource regions by mid-2026. Follow-up meetings at national AI-health forums and multilateral platforms are also in planning to ensure global uptake and implementation.
By shifting from concept to coordination, the “AI for Health” workshop has established new momentum in global efforts to harness artificial intelligence not just for progress, but for equity. It underscored that truly transformative technology must serve those most in need—bridging gaps, not widening them—and that inclusive governance is key to realizing AI’s potential in healthcare.
