Advancing Equity and Ethical Governance in Health Data and Biobanks: Global Experts Meet in Vatican City

The World Medical Association (WMA), in collaboration with the Pontifical Academy for Life and the Israeli Medical Association, convened the Third Open Expert Meeting on the Revision of the Declaration of Taipei on 1–2 June 2026 in Vatican City.

Focused on Equity, Global Challenges and Ethical Considerations, the meeting brought together international experts in medicine, bioethics, law, public health and health governance to examine pressing ethical challenges related to health databases, biobanks and the rapidly evolving digital health landscape.

Originally adopted by the WMA in 2002 and revised in 2016, the Declaration of Taipei provides ethical guidance on the use of health databases and biobanks. As advances in artificial intelligence, genomics, data-driven medicine and cross-border data sharing continue to reshape healthcare and medical research, the WMA launched a revision process to ensure the Declaration remains responsive to contemporary global realities and ethical concerns.

The Vatican City meeting focused particularly on equity in the collection, storage, access and use of health data and biospecimens. Discussions addressed the underrepresentation of vulnerable and marginalised populations in research, the fair sharing of research benefits, meaningful stakeholder engagement in ethical decision-making, and governance mechanisms that promote justice and global solidarity.

Opening the meeting, WMA President Dr. Jacqueline Kitulu underscored the importance of ensuring that innovation in medicine remains grounded in ethics and equity.

“Health data and biobank research hold enormous potential to improve healthcare and scientific knowledge worldwide. However, scientific progress must go hand in hand with ethical responsibility, meaningful inclusion and equitable sharing of outcomes to ensure that all communities benefit equally,” she stated.

Msgr. Renzo Pegoraro, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, highlighted the importance of international dialogue on these issues.

“The growing role of health data and digital technologies in medicine raises important ethical questions that require global reflection and cooperation. This meeting represented an important opportunity to promote a more equitable approach to biomedical research and healthcare,” he noted.

The Vatican City meeting marked the third open expert consultation in the ongoing revision process, following the First Open Expert Meeting held in Taipei, Taiwan (December 2025) and the Second Open Expert Meeting held in São Paulo, Brazil (March 2026).

The collaboration of physicians from around the world shows that, even in times marked by conflict, humanity can unite in the service of health and the wellbeing of patients. We hope this spirit of cooperation contributes to greater understanding and peace.

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