17 July 2026 | Powered by the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS)

The world’s largest Social Prescribing event is shaping a fast-growing global market. Be part of the movement transforming healthcare at the Global Social Prescribing Summit, hosted by the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA).

Social prescribing is redefining health with a holistic, person-centered approach, connecting individuals to community-based support that nurtures wellbeing beyond traditional care. This international summit brings together leaders, healthcare practitioners, community organizations, and policymakers to explore how social prescribing improves health outcomes, strengthens communities, and addresses the social determinants of health.

09:30 – 09:45 | Opening & Welcome
Gareth Presch, CEO, GSPA – Setting the global vision

Morning – Inspiration & Global Perspectives

• 10:00 – 10:20 | Keynote: “Social Prescribing: The Future of Person-Centred Health Globally” – James Sanderson, Chair, GSPA
• 10:30 – 11:30 | Global Panel: Lessons from every continent
  • Prof Robert Dean, University of Lincoln (UK)
  • Cristina Vaz de Almeida, President of SPLS (Portugal)
  • Dr Kumar Sunil, World Health Service (India)

Midday – Policy & Innovation

• 11:45 – 12:15 | Fireside Chat: Scaling social prescribing globally – Policymakers & investors
• 12:30 – 13:30 | Global Insights: Digital tools, grassroots initiatives, youth & mental health
  • David John Kerr, DJK Global - Knowledge Partner
  • Duaa Mohamed, WHIS Ambassador MENA

Afternoon – Collaboration & Future Vision

• 14:30 – 15:30 | Global Case Studies: Real-world examples from Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, Nordics, North America
  • Dr Patricia Welch Saleeby PhD, MSSA – WHIS Ambassador, USA
  • Prof Jill Litt is a Professor of Environmental Health in the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Senior researcher at the Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal).
• 15:45 – 16:30 | Future Vision Panel: Next steps for global partnerships & prevention as health investment
• Mr. Lefteris Emmanuel Heretakis MA RCA, The New art school

Closing Reflections & Call to Action – GSPA leadership

Agenda subject to change. Sponsor spotlights will be included throughout the day.

• Learn from Experts: Hear from global thought leaders on social prescribing and community health.
• Innovate with Insight: Discover initiatives improving health outcomes and wellbeing worldwide.
• Connect & Collaborate: Network with professionals dedicated to shaping a healthcare system that cares for the whole person.
• Shape the Future: Gain tools, strategies, and resources to advance social prescribing within your community.

In 2020, Gareth Presch and James Sanderson came together to explore global opportunities to deliver new models of health and wellbeing. Their vision was to build a community of leaders committed to Social Prescribing, Personalised Care, and Innovation.

The Alliance launched in February 2021 with the support of the UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and has since:

• Developed the Global Playbook for Social Prescribing
• Produced training materials and hosted international site visits
• Built an independent global network, now represented by 30 countries

Through these efforts, the GSPA has created a platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing, 

tackling some of the most pressing global health challenges.

Showcase your organization to a global audience of healthcare leaders, innovators, and policymakers. 

Sponsorships include visibility during keynotes, panels, and networking sessions.

📧 For opportunities, contact: gareth@whis.world

Background
Launched in 2021 by the UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) champions a global shift toward prevention-focused, person-centred healthcare. The Alliance was brought to fruition by James Sanderson and Gareth Presch, recognised global thought leaders who, alongside the WHO and international partners, have been at the forefront of social prescribing’s growth worldwide presenting at UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), WHO, and United Nations events.

Grounded in the belief that health is shaped by social, economic, and environmental factors, GSPA connects policymakers, clinicians, academics, and community organisations to scale social prescribing internationally and advance UN SDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing.

Vision
Thriving communities driving a global social revolution in health and wellbeing.

Mission
To advance social prescribing globally through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.

Core Aims

• Build a global community of practice
• Accelerate adoption of social prescribing in health systems
• Coordinate international evidence to inform policy and best practice

Impact

• Global playbook, training, and knowledge-sharing across 30+ countries
• Support for national initiatives, including Norway’s National Social Prescribing Group
• Leadership in social prescribing evidence and implementation

How We Support Change

• Global events, webinars, and roundtables
• Expert advice, training, and consultancy
• Investment and partnership opportunities

“The Global Social Prescribing Alliance is creating a sustainable health model—improving wellbeing while generating meaningful jobs at scale.”
— Gareth Presch, CEO, GSPA

📢 Register now to be part of the global movement transforming healthcare!
🔗 Register Here

Let’s build a healthier, more connected world together! 🌱

#SocialPrescribing #HealthInnovation #CommunityCare #GSPAlliance #GlobalHealth #WHIS