The World Health Organization (WHO) Academy is a priority initiative of the WHO transformation agenda. The Academy will support accelerated learning and skills recognition of staff and external stakeholders to advance implementation of WHO’s strategic plan (the 13th General Programme of Work 2019 – 2023) and “triple billion” goal: ensuring that by 2023, an additional 1 billion people benefit from universal health coverage; 1 billion more are afforded better protection in health emergencies, and 1 billion more enjoy improved health and wellbeing.

The Academy will provide innovative learning via a state-of the-art digital learning experience platform and a flagship campus in Lyon with a campus network of learning centres embedded in the six WHO regions. The Academy Lyon hub will feature high-tech learning environments, a world-class health emergency simulation centre and collaboration spaces for learning, co-design, research and innovation

The Academy will bring together adult learning and behavioural science, cutting-edge learning technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented, virtual and mixed reality with WHO’s expertise, norms, standards and evidence to deliver high impact, validated and tailored multilingual learning to meet multicultural and diverse needs. The Academy will be open to a wide range of multisectoral stakeholders who can influence health, including leaders, educators, researchers, health workers, digital technologists, WHO staff, patient and community advocacy organizations. It will be run as an internal WHO Division, led by a Chief Learning Officer. WHO will ensure strong coordination and collaboration with all WHO Member States, thereby optimizing the learning assistance provided to all. The Academy will also harness the strength of the WHO’s partnerships, experts, collaborating centres and networks.

The Academy’s establishment was initiated in 2019 in preparation for its official launch of its first digital programmes in July 2021 and opening of its Lyon Hub campus in 2023. The WHO Academy Advisory Group on Quality (the “AG”) will act as an advisory body to WHO in this field.

In its capacity as an advisory body to WHO, the AG shall have the following functions:

• The AG is a standing advisory committee that provides expert and strategic advice and recommendations to support WHO in its implementation of world class standards and quality management system for the WHO Academy. Specifically, the AG responsibilities include:
• Review and make recommendations on the development and evolution of the Academy’s standards, quality management system and metrics to ensure 23 September 2021 alignment with best practice, evidence and international standards in lifelong learning;
• Provide strategic recommendations, best practices and insights on lifelong learning systems and technologies that will enhance the Academy’s quality efforts in delivering its programs and services;

Provide guidance and recommendations on quality frameworks that ensure adaptability in the marketplace given the rapid evolution of skills acquisition and competency based lifelong learning.