WHO Launches Global Clinical Trials Forum to Strengthen Research Standards

Rabat — The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially launched the Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF), a global initiative designed to improve the quality, coordination, and transparency of clinical trials worldwide.

This forum aims to create a multi-stakeholder network that will strengthen clinical trial environments and infrastructure at national, regional, and global levels.

The GCTF is a response to the World Health Assembly resolution WHA75.8, which calls for enhanced quality and coordination of clinical trials to generate high-quality evidence for health decision-making.

It supports the implementation of the WHO’s Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical Trials, which outlines principles and actions to improve the design, conduct, oversight, and use of trials.

The forum is guided by the Global Action Plan for Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening (GAP-CTS), which translates the guidance into nine priority action areas addressing barriers across current clinical trial ecosystems.

Strengthening global clinical trial standards

It will use WHO’s guidance for best practices in clinical trials. These guidelines explain how to design, run, and oversee trials so they are ethical, reliable, and useful for doctors and patients.

The forum also follows the Global Action Plan for Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening (GAP-CTS), which identifies nine priority areas to address current gaps in clinical research systems.

One of the founding members of the forum is the George Institute. Professor Anushka Patel, CEO of the Institute, said the group is proud to join the initiative.

She said the forum will help researchers share knowledge and create stronger trials that can improve people’s lives around the world.

The Global Clinical Trials Forum is not a separate organization; it works under the WHO’s rules and policies. Its main goal is to create faster and safer trial approval processes, increase research capacity, and build trust in healthcare systems.

The forum hopes that by improving the way trials are run, countries can get better health solutions faster and ensure treatments reach everyone who needs them.

Experts say the forum will also focus on including patients and communities in clinical research. This ensures that studies reflect real-world needs and ethical standards.

By connecting different organizations and countries, the forum is expected to create a stronger global network of clinical research.

As the WHO and its partners roll out the Global Clinical Trials Forum, the hope is that the initiative will make clinical trials more transparent, reliable, and equitable.