The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially launched the Global Clinical Trials Forum (GCTF), a groundbreaking global, multi-stakeholder network designed to enhance clinical trial environments and infrastructure across national, regional, and global scales. This initiative directly addresses World Health Assembly resolution WHA75.8, which emphasized the critical need for WHO to elevate the quality and coordination of clinical trials to produce high-quality evidence essential for informed health decision-making.

The GCTF's foundational framework is built upon WHO's Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical Trials. This comprehensive guidance outlines the principles and actions necessary to improve the design, conduct, oversight, and ultimate use of clinical trials worldwide. Further augmenting this guidance is the Global Action Plan for Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening (GAP-CTS). The GAP-CTS translates the broader guidance into nine specific priority action areas, meticulously crafted to overcome existing barriers within current clinical trial ecosystems.

A core function of the GCTF is to serve as a collaborative platform, connecting a diverse array of stakeholders. These include Member States, regulatory bodies, ethics authorities, funding organizations, researchers, civil society groups, and patient/community engagement organizations. Through this interconnected network, members are empowered to disseminate WHO guidance and best practices, advocate for the adoption of established standards, and actively share knowledge to bolster capacity and foster the development of clinical trials that are inclusive, ethical, and impactful.

Members of the GCTF gain unique opportunities to participate in thematic working groups. These groups are dedicated to advancing the implementation of best practices, improving the readiness of health systems for clinical trials, and ensuring that the generation of evidence is both equitable and sustainable. The launch of the GCTF signifies a monumental stride towards guaranteeing that all countries possess the capability to generate reliable evidence, which is crucial for guiding effective health policy and practice.

A wide range of esteemed organizations are among the launch members, reflecting the forum's global and multi-sectoral nature. These include the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) Society for Medical Education (St. John's Medical College), Christian Medical College Vellore, Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Cochrane Collaboration, Egyptian Drug Authority, European Clinical Research Infrastructure Network, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Health Research Authority (UK), Indian Council of Medical Research, Indonesia Clinical Research Center, International Vaccine Institute, Malaysia Institute of Clinical Research, McMaster University, Medicines for Malaria Venture, National Institute for Health and Care Research (UK), National University of Singapore, Nepal Health Research Council, PATH, Quality by Randomization Limited (Protas), Singapore Clinical Research Institute, South Africa Medical Research Council, The European Patients' Academy for Therapeutic Innovation, The George Institute for Global Health, The Global Health Network, The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations, and the University of Oxford.

Membership in the Global Clinical Trials Forum is extended to eligible stakeholder organizations that demonstrate a commitment to implementing WHA75.8 and adhering to WHO's Guidance for Best Practices for Clinical Trials. Prospective members will find opportunities to collaborate with global experts, contribute to pivotal initiatives, and play an active role in shaping the future landscape of clinical trial ecosystems worldwide.