Editorial: Health Without Borders – Towards Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability at World Congress on Public Health 2026

The global public health community is preparing for a landmark occasion: The 18th World Congress on Public Health (WCPH 2026), which will take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 6 to 9 September 2026. Organized by the World Federation of Public Health Associations together with the Public Health Association of South Africa, this gathering will bring together leaders, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and advocates from every region of the world. Guided by the theme “Health Without Borders: Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability,” the Congress seeks not only to reflect on global health challenges but also to build the pathways toward collective solutions. The decision to host the Congress in Southern Africa is particularly significant. It marks the first time in the event’s history that the region will serve as host and signals a recognition of Africa’s growing leadership in shaping the global health agenda. Cape Town will provide a setting in which diverse perspectives from across the continent and beyond can enrich the international conversation on equity, inclusion, and sustainability. Far from being a passive stage, South Africa and the wider African public health community bring with them a wealth of knowledge, experience, and innovation that can inspire the rest of the world. The theme chosen for WCPH 2026 is both timely and urgent. The idea of health without borders reflects the reality that contemporary health challenges transcend geography. Pandemics spread rapidly across continents, climate change affects every corner of the globe, and social and economic inequities shape health outcomes in both high- and low-income countries. To achieve health for all, responses must be inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable. The 18th WCPH offers a platform to build this collective vision by weaving together experiences from different regions and sectors, and by ensuring that no voice is left unheard. One of the most exciting dimensions of the Congress is the breadth and depth of dialogue it will generate. Globally recognized experts will deliver keynote addresses that reflect on critical issues shaping the future of public health, while panel discussions will open spaces for debates on inclusion, sustainability, and the responsibilities of public health in a changing world. Workshops will provide practical opportunities to build skills and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Networking opportunities will create the conditions for partnerships that endure well beyond the 4 days of the Congress, while dedicated sessions for students and young professionals will ensure that the next generation of leaders can engage actively in shaping the global health agenda. The event will also shine a light on South Africa’s own health journey. The country has been at the forefront of community-driven responses to HIV/AIDS, has expanded access to essential health services in innovative ways, and continues to experiment with models of equitable financing and universal health coverage. These experiences offer lessons that resonate far beyond the region and provide inspiration for others who are working to strengthen their health systems in contexts of complexity and constraint. At the same time, the Congress will provide a rare opportunity to see how diverse countries, including India, can draw from this reservoir of ideas while contributing their own experiences to the global dialogue. India has much to share and much to learn. Our progress in areas such as large-scale immunization programs, digital health initiatives, and population-level interventions has generated insights that are valuable to the global community. Yet we are also acutely aware of the challenges that remain in ensuring equity, strengthening primary health care, and addressing the broader determinants of health. Participation in WCPH 2026 will allow Indian experts to be inspired not only by African innovations but also by the collective wisdom of the international community. This spirit of mutual exchange – South to South, South to North, and North to North – represents the essence of a world where health truly knows no borders. This moment is particularly important for India’s public health community. By contributing research, policy experiences, and community-based practices, Indian participants can bring visibility to local innovations while also engaging in meaningful exchange with colleagues from other countries. Equally, the Congress provides a chance to build new partnerships that will help strengthen capacity, expand research networks, and influence policy at both national and international levels. What makes WCPH 2026 remarkable is not only its scale but also its vision of legacy. The Congress is not intended to be an isolated event but a catalyst for change that extends far beyond its closing ceremony. By convening diverse voices in Cape Town, it offers the opportunity to co-create strategies that can influence policy, practice, and research for years to come. It will amplify local and regional innovations, inspire new forms of collaboration, and help ensure that equity, inclusion, and sustainability are embedded in the DNA of global health. For the Indian Journal of Public Health and its readers, this moment carries special resonance. Public health in India is shaped by its unique demographic, social, and economic contexts, but it is also enriched by the ideas and practices of the wider world. By actively engaging in WCPH 2026, Indian experts have the opportunity to be part of a truly global conversation and to help advance a collective vision of a healthier, fairer, and more sustainable future. The journey to Cape Town has already begun, and momentum is building. Abstract submissions will remain open until January 31, 2026. Researchers, policymakers, and practitioners are encouraged to contribute by sharing scientific studies, policy dialogues, and practice-based innovations. Early bird registration has also opened, inviting broad participation from around the world. As the Congress approaches, let us commit ourselves to active participation, whether by submitting abstracts, joining the discussions, or fostering collaborations that will carry forward the spirit of “health without borders.” In September 2026, Cape Town will become the meeting point of the global public health community. It is an invitation we cannot afford to miss. Further information and updates can be found on the official Congress website: https://www.wcph.org. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.