Health in a World of Crises and Impunity: The Report of the Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health–Lancet Commission on Health, Conflict, and Forced Displacement 

Date: Wednesday, 20 May 2026 
Time: 9:00am–1:00pm (Geneva time) 
Location: Institute of Global Health, UNIGE | Campus Biotech 
Chemin des Mines 9, 1202 Geneva (Main theatre room) 
Format: In-person, livestream available 

At a time of escalating conflicts, growing displacement, shrinking resources, and increasing impunity, the report calls for a new paradigm for the humanitarian sector. It sets out bold and practical recommendations to rethink how humanitarian health responses are designed, governed, and delivered in some of the world’s most challenging settings. 

The Commission brings together global leaders and experts committed to confronting and reshaping the humanitarian system. Its work seeks to challenge existing power structures in humanitarian health, influence global policy and practice, and amplify the voices of people affected by conflict and displacement. 

Programme and registration

9:00-9:05 Welcome by Prof. Karl Blanchet

9:05-9:15 Introduction by Dr. Richard Horton and Dr. Ana Mateus

9:15-9:40 Presentation of the Lancet Commission report by Prof. Paul Spiegel

9:40-10:00 Keynote Speech by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO

10:00-11:00 Panel 1: Commissioners — chaired by Prof. Karl Blanchet Dr. Esperanza Martinez Prof. David Cantor Dr. Awsan Bahattab Dr. Aula Abbara

11:00-11:30 Coffee Break

11:30-12:40 Panel 2: Expert perspectives — chaired by Prof. Paul Spiegel Prof. Gilles Carbonier, formerly at ICRC Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO Dr. Erika Placella, Swiss DC Dr. Moumouni Kinda, Alima Ms. Gemma Connell, UNOCHA Ms. Husna Sharifi, Scholar at Risk at the University of Geneva

12:40-13:00 Post Commission work

This launch event will provide an opportunity to engage directly with Commission members and explore the report’s key findings and recommendations. Participants will also have the chance to discuss the implications for humanitarian policy, practice, and partnerships in the years ahead. 

This event is hosted by the Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Medicine, UNIGE