The governance role of the modern nation-state is not only to ensure a well functioning democracy and the security of the country but also to provide access to public goods and social welfare, such as education and health. In weak or failed states, these ‘traditional’ state functions very often cannot be guaranteed and, consequently, new forms of provision emerge. Non-governmental and hybrid actors become important players and often take over typical state functions to ensure that basic services are delivered.
The international community has a critical impact on these governance regimes. This often complex landscape of very different actors leads to a multitude of cooperation models among stakeholders which are not hierarchically determined but rather characterized through ‘bargaining’ and negotiation. The activities of the involved actors may also be influenced by their social, economic, and political interests and thereby reinforcing rather than resolving conflicts, with dramatic consequences for health care delivery, for example.
Nevertheless, negotiation processes in conflict and other crisis situations take many forms and are present at all levels. These include formal and informal; open and hidden; local, national, regional and international – be it for example between the conflict parties, local and international mediators or facilitators, donors or civil society. The success of these negotiations depends on, inter alia, the balance of power, the political will, the structure and actors of the negotiation process. The negotiations may have a direct positive impact on the health status of the population but could also lead to further weakening the state, its administrative processes, or to a case-to-case approach benefiting a few rather than a ‘universal right for all’ approach.

The symposium will focus on
Governance regimes existing in weak and failed states, the multitude of actors including donors, their respective roles and cooperation models influencing the health status of the population;
Negotiation processes at the national and international levels impacting health governance in weak or failed states;
The positioning of health in conflict situations in relation to issues of foreign policy, security, migration, human rights, trade, development, and peace-building.

Prominent speakers will reflect on these issues from a practical and research perspective. The ensuing debate between diplomats, health experts and academics will aim to examine the characteristics of weak and failed states that impact on health and how different actors and global health initiatives can better health in these including improving the health governance structures in these states.

This Conference is organised by the Global Health Programme

Details regarding registration and other practicalities will be announced early October

Auditorium Jacques-Freymond, 132 rue de Lausanne, Site Barton

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