Powerful currents referred to as megatrends are reshaping our world: ageing populations, the growing climate crisis, strong commercial interests, rising inequalities and rapid advances in digital technologies, among others.

To inform the second European Programme of Work, 2026–2030 (EPW2), WHO/Europe hosted a series of 5 online hearings in the first quarter of 2025. Open to all, these hearings gathered diverse perspectives and proposals on how to address the megatrends impacting health and health equity across the WHO European Region until and beyond 2030. Over 5000 experts, decision-makers, Member State and civil society representatives, and others with an interest in health contributed to the discussions. Their insights have been captured in a “Futures Paper” that complements the EPW2 policy document.