WPA Granted Observer Status to the Council of Europe
The World Patients Alliance (WPA) has been granted observer status to the Council of Europe’s Committee of the Parties to the Santiago de Compostela Convention. This recognition marks an important milestone in WPA’s engagement with international institutions committed to promoting human rights, participation, and the well-being of communities.
As an observer organization, WPA will be invited to attend future plenary meetings of the Committee, which oversees the implementation of the Santiago de Compostela Convention (also known as the Faro Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society). The Convention emphasizes the role of people and communities in recognizing and benefiting from cultural heritage as a source of human development, mutual understanding, and social cohesion.
Through this engagement, WPA aims to highlight the connection between cultural participation, community well-being, and patient empowerment. The observer status provides WPA with an opportunity to contribute to policy dialogues that value inclusivity, dignity, and participation in shaping healthier and more resilient societies.
Statement by the World Patients Alliance
“We are honored to be granted observer status to the Council of Europe’s Committee of the Parties to the Santiago de Compostela Convention. This recognition reflects the importance of ensuring that patients and communities are active participants in shaping the social and cultural foundations of health and well-being. The values of participation, respect, and shared responsibility at the heart of this Convention resonate deeply with the mission of the World Patients Alliance,” said Hussain Jafri, Chief Executive Officer of the World Patients Alliance.
“WPA looks forward to contributing to the Committee’s work and to strengthening cooperation between health and cultural sectors to promote the dignity, inclusion, and empowerment of patients and communities everywhere.”